Study of Blood-transfusion Services in Maharashtra and Gujarat States, India

Abstract

Blood-transfusion services are vital to maternal health because haemorrhage and anaemia are major causes of maternal death in South Asia. Unfortunately, due to continued governmental negligence, blood-transfu­sion services in India are a highly-fragmented mix of competing independent and hospital-based blood-banks, serving the needs of urban populations. This paper aims to understand the existing systems of blood-transfusion services in India focusing on Maharashtra and Gujarat states. A mix of methodologies, including literature review (including government documents), analysis of management information sys­tem data, and interviews with key officials was used. Results of analysis showed that there are many mana­gerial challenges in blood-transfusion services, which calls for strengthening the planning and monitoring of these services. Maharashtra provides a good model for improvement. Unless this is done, access to blood in rural areas may remain poor.

Key words: Blood-banks; Blood-storage centres; Blood transfusion; Emergency obstetric care; India

doi: 10.3329/jhpn.v27i2.3368

J Health Popul Nutr 2009 April;27(2):259-270