Uttar Pradesh to have e-system for blood banks

In order to effectively manage the blood bank accessibility-more in a crisis situation, UP is all set to implement a web-enabled system to connect all blood banks in the state. A mobile app will also be made available to people to make the blood bank information handier.

This development is close on the odisha model of e-blood bank.  It can be perceived as a pre-meditated initiative to make the whole system work in greater transparency, while ensuring stronger disbursement system in the state. Minute details like maintaining a database of regular donors and persons who donate blood on dates like birthdays or anniversaries among others, will be included as a part of the new system.

The e-blood bank project is likely to be implemented in the state soon, and an official announcement has already been made during the foundation day function of transfusion medicine department King George's Medical University recently

As reported by TOI, "The e-Blood bank will enable electronic monitoring of blood collection, testing, storage and final use and even disposal. Efforts are on to zero-in on the special software needed to implement the prestigious project," said head of the department Tulika Chandra. "The system will involve bar-coding the blood units to ensure proper usage, supply and also facilitate tracking of each unit," she added.

"Essentially, the bar-coded blood units will make authorities liable to scrutinise in case the blood collected at a later date was issued because blood has a shelf life of only 30 to 32 days," said an official in the implementing team.

In another major development, the state blood bank is in for a major revamp. To be shifted in phase two of the centenary hospital, the blood bank would be completely computerised. A special software and an Apple hardware set-up has been designed for the purpose.

The state government would soon implement the project across the state through National Health Mission. It will start from Lucknow. There are 24 blood banks in the city including seven in the government sector.