National   

Blood donors to be informed if they have HIV

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI Dec. 3. In a paradigm shift, the Government has decided that people who donate blood may be informed in case their sample is found to contain the HIV virus. Now, blood collected from donors is screened and if the samples are found to be HIV positive, they are merely destroyed.

Announcing the new system, Meenakshi Dutta Ghosh, Director, National AIDS Control Organisation (which is also in charge of blood safety), said the change was being made considering that HIV/AIDS was becoming a major social problem.

Till now, in the absence of a proper counselling system, it was found wiser not to inform in case a sample was found to be HIV positive as it would lead to problems for the donors. But, now with the development of a sound counselling system, there is a growing feeling among professionals that it would be better if the donors are informed.

Ms. Ghosh said that while informing the donors care would be taken to ensure that problems were not created. Counselling would be given at the time of donation and the information would be accompanied by another set of counselling.

Briefing reporters on an action plan released recently by the Government to operationalise the National Blood Policy announced in April, she said the Government planned to introduce a system of accreditation of blood banks to promote quality. It was considering whether to involve accreditating agencies like the ICRA and the Crisil or the National Accreditation Board for Laboratories under the Department of Science and Technology.

Also, the Government would change the system of management of the State Blood Transfusion Councils. They would be headed by the State Directors of Health Services. To promote a rational use of blood, the funding norms for establishment of blood component separation facilities would be relaxed. Blood banks with an annual collection of over 5,000 units would also be eligible for financial assistance against the present minimum of 10,000 units.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

National

News: Front Page | National | Southern States | Other States | International | Opinion | Business | Sport | Miscellaneous |
Advts: Classifieds | Employment | Obituary |

Stories in this Section

• EC official for Gujarat
• Embarrassing moments
• Defence deal with Russia imminent
• Some hope on the SAARC front
• Prayer meetings mark gas tragedy anniversary
• Larger design behind Mumbai bus blast?
• Kalam for subsidised mobile phones to disabled
• Mufti satisfied with Centre's stand
• Blackwill meets Mufti
• RV: a votary of coalition govts.
• Hearing adjourned on Hindujas' plea
• Boeing willing to cut its price for IA order
• ITDC Chairman removed
• LS passes Freedom of Information Bill
• Tight security at Tirumala
• MPs want more sops for farmers
• Sena seeks enquiry into Centaur sale
• Mayawati dares the Congress in Amethi
• Panel to probe charges against Karnataka Judges
• Blood donors to be informed if they have HIV
• Smooth sailing for both
• 'National crimes tribunal needed'
• Opposition demands discussion on internal security
• Jaitly's petition against Tehelka dismissed

Copyright © 2002, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu