Blood banks are an integral part of health care system. However, in India, there is an acute shortage of blood banks. According to the Central Drug Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), India has around 2,760 licensed blood banks. As per the government estimate, there are over 70 districts in the country do not have licensed blood banks. Of late, Minister of State for Health Ashwini Kumar Choubey informed the Rajya Sabha, “As per information from states, there are 79 districts where there are no blood banks.” Under National Health Mission, support has been provided to states to set up 74 blood banks and 1,583 blood storage centres, he informed. The Government of India’s National Blood Policy mandates at least one blood bank per district.
Mostly, majority of the country’s blood banks remain under a severe shortage. More shockingly, India discarded as many as 1.18 million units of blood – nearly 38 tankers full – in 2016-17 as per a report submitted by the government during December 2017. In a country like India that faces acute blood shortage, this is a tragic waste. Undoubtedly, the inadequate and inefficient blood banking infrastructure is the root cause.
Advanced technologies can ensure the most efficient use of available blood and minimise wastage. This time, we take you through the latest innovations in the field of blood banking equipment.
Keeping clinical laboratory equipment in peak condition is essential to achieve their optimum performance. At times, laboratory equipment are prone to wear and tear and are also susceptible to hazards. Many of the accidents that occur in a laboratory can be attributed to improper use or maintenance of an equipment. Here, Dr. Aniruddha Chimote examines why maintenance is crucial for upkeeping clinical laboratory equipment.
3D printing has played a pivotal role in the field of medical devices. Orthopaedic and cranial implants, surgical instruments, and dental restorations are the biggest beneficiaries of 3D printing. Dr. Namrata Rupani elucidates how 3D printing is revolutionising dentistry.
I hope you will enjoy reading this issue as always. Please send your comments at pravita@charypublications.in
Pravita Iyer
Publisher
