KARACHI: Ibad calls for setting up task force: Safe blood transfusion
KARACHI, Aug 9: Sindh Governor Ishratul Ibad has expressed dissatisfaction on the performance of Sindh Blood Transfusion Authority regarding registration of blood banks in the province and ordered formulation of a high-level task force having representation from known registered blood banks for taking stern action against people indulged in providing unsafe blood to people.
He also asked health department to suggest legislation for taking legal action against quacks, playing havoc with the lives of people.
The governor was speaking at a ceremony organized by the Sindh Blood Transfusion Authority to mark the World Blood Donors Day at a hotel late on Monday night.
Ishratul Ibad said that the process to grant registration to blood banks was extremely slow, which needed to be accelerated on war-footings and voluntary blood donors should be encouraged.
He said, “People involved in the trade of unsafe blood are extraordinarily criminals. The SBTA and DG Health should further work on proposed amendments in safe blood transfusion act, so the same could be approved. Media reports regarding illegal blood banks should be an eye opener. To eradicate this menace from society, every individual should work without any political consideration, as it is a national issue.
“Illegal business of blood should be immediately stopped by the end of this year and action plan should be prepared. Task force should be on board. Its all suggestion will be implemented by the government,” he assured.
He asked health officials to take strict action against officials of blood banks identified in a documentary recently shown on a private television channel.
However, he appreciated the efforts of health department in eradication of polio. “Last year, 28 cases of polio were reported in Sindh, but this year only two cases have been reported so far,” he added.
The governor said that health department should be committed to eradicate polio from the province by December 2005 and then efforts should be made to sustain the position so that the disease could not re-emerge.
Sindh Health Minister Shab-bir Qaimkhani said blood donation was a great service to humanity. “There are several districts without blood banks at present. A few doctors are also involved in transfusion of unsafe blood,” he added. He urged the governor to make amendments in Blood Transfusion Act enabling SBTA to take legal action including sealing blood banks. Asking doctors and paramedical staff to perform their duties honestly, he warned them that strict action would be taken against irresponsible doctors and paramedics.
Secretary Health Noshad Shaikh said the government was focusing on public awareness. “There were flaws in the law, for which we were not able to take legal action against unregistered blood banks, but now we have proposed some amendments. After their approval, we will be able to put people involved in illegal transaction of unsafe blood behind bars for six months beside penalties,” he said.
Secretary SBTA Dr Farhana Memon pointed out that a total of 38 blood banks, including 26 in Karachi, had been registered out of 187 applications, while 104 illegal blood banks were issued notices for closure so far.
Later, the governor distributed awards among voluntary regular blood donors, media personnel for supporting the cause through their publications. —PPI
