The Health Minister has directed all public and private hospitals to strictly adhere to safe blood transfusion standards mandating universal screening for infectious diseases like hepatitis and enforcing 100% use of disposable syringes in treatment areas to protect patient safety.

Mandatory Licensing and Oversight of Blood Banks

A comprehensive audit and licensing system is now required for every blood bank. Unregistered or outdated facilities must shut down or upgrade immediately. The move aims to eliminate unsafe practices and bring all blood services under regulated supervision.

Hospitals Urged to Maintain High Sterility Standards

Medical facilities are instructed to ensure the complete sterilization of surgical tools and use only new, disposable syringes during procedures. The Health Care Commission will conduct regular inspections to verify compliance with hygiene protocols.

Public Awareness Drive Highlights Safe-Blood Importance

The Health Minister emphasized the need to raise public awareness about safe transfusion practices encouraging patients and families to insist on proper screening and licenced facilities before accepting blood, and to report violations through available health system channels.

Coordination with National Programs on Blood-Borne Diseases

Actions will align with existing hepatitis and HIV initiatives, utilizing shared resources and awareness campaigns to reduce transfusion-related infections and expand safe blood access within broader disease control efforts.

Training and Capacity-Building for Healthcare Staff

A coordinated training program for blood bank personnel, lab technicians, and hospital nurses is being launched to educate them on updated safety procedures, screening techniques, and emergency response to contamination risks.

Strengthened Monitoring Through Data and Reporting

Hospitals must maintain and submit monthly reports detailing units of blood screened, flagged infections, and disposal of unsafe batches. A real-time digital dashboard is being developed for provincial health departments to monitor compliance and detect emerging safety issues.

Goal: Elevate National Blood Transfusion Standards

These directives reflect a national push to eliminate transfusion-related infections, streamline blood banking, and restore public confidence in healthcare ensuring safe, accessible, and trusted blood supplies for all citizens.