- Free blood availability for all patients in government hospitals in Punjab: Dr. Balbir Singh.
Chandigarh, October 3:
Punjab has achieved a significant milestone, securing the third position among all states and union territories (UTs) for its exceptional voluntary blood donation efforts. This recognition, awarded by the Blood Transfusion Services (BTS) of the Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (GoI), was conferred during the India Blood Donation NGO Conclave in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh commended the State Blood Transfusion Council, Punjab, for its outstanding performance in 2023-24. The council organized 11,109 blood donation camps and collected 493,000 units of blood, surpassing the Government of India’s target of 460,000 units.
The award was received by Joint Director BTS/PSBTC Dr. Sunita Devi and Mr. Surinder Singh on behalf of the state.
Dr. Balbir Singh acknowledged the tireless efforts of the health and blood transfusion teams in ensuring a consistent supply of safe blood. He also expressed gratitude for the support and leadership of Project Director PSACS cum Director PSBTC, Varinder Kumar Sharma, who has been instrumental in driving key initiatives and fostering voluntary blood donation across the state.
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Punjab boasts a robust network of 182 licensed blood centers, including 49 Government blood centers distributed throughout all districts. This extensive network ensures comprehensive access to blood for patients in need. Additionally, 83 of these centers are licensed Blood Component Separation Units (BCSUs), including 26 Government Blood Component Separation Units, providing vital blood components like PRBC, platelets, and plasma.
Dr. Balbir Singh emphasized that blood is available free of cost to all patients in Punjab’s public health institutions, including district hospitals, sub-district hospitals, CHCs, PHCs, and Government medical colleges. This ensures that no one is denied this life-saving resource.
