Hyderabad: Union Health Ministry confirmed that from now onwards blood can be exchanged between banks in case of emergency to save a life.

Blood transfer from one blood bank to another blood bank was not permitted previously. However, some blood banks are willing to do it with compassion. The union health minister has allowed transfer of blood from one blood bank to another.

After releasing minister announcement health expert expressed that concern over acceptance of blood donor cards in all blood banks and exchange of blood between government and private hospitals. Earlier transfer of blood one bank to another has not been permitted. For acceptance of donor cards was always a big worry for patients.

The decision of minister is very useful for patients who have rare blood groups and disorders. Donor cards should also be accepted universally. Sometimes donors will not be satisfied because if a donor has donated blood in Hyderabad, his relatives need blood in Vijayawada and donor card is not accepted in blood bank of particular area.

This is very depressed both patient as well as donors so that some diseases’ will be increased shortage of blood. “Wastage of blood will be prevented in banks because blood expires after some period of time, government blood banks charge normal rate from patients of private hospitals, private hospitals not accept government hospital blood banks and then ask more amount for donors” said Dr Arora.

Although being a country with 1.2 billion populations, India facing 3 million units a blood shortage. According to estimation only 9 million units are collecting annually but actual requirement is 12 million units.