Seeking donated blood in Madhya Pradesh? Shell out over Rs 1,000 ‘processing fee’

Bhopal: Getting blood donation in MP has got a bit heavier on the pocket. Recent State Blood Transfusion Council (SBTC) guidelines has levelled “processing fee” to Rs 1,050 for each unit of whole the life saver.

Earlier, it was Rs 850 in case of voluntary donation for the beneficiary. Patients with thalassemia, hemophilia, sickle cell and any other blood dyscrasia will continue to get blood or blood components fee of charge. State blood transfusion council under the MP Directorate of Health Services, has issued new guidelines regarding whole blood and blood components processing charges. It cites non-government blood centres were charging arbitrary processing fee.

STBC has fixed the maximum price of Rs 1050 per unit for whole blood and packed red cells, Rs 300 for fresh frozen plasma, platelet concentrate and Rs 200 for cryoprecipitate. Details of recovery of costing for whole blood and components includes has been determinant into eight parts, including consumables, salary to staff and donor refreshment. For blood components it is pegged at Rs 1650.

The processing charges for the blood/ blood components should be displayed prominently in the blood bank premises for the benefit of recipients. Many blood centers charge whole blood and blood component processing charges more than the prescribed guidelines.