Using blood banks in Maharashtra to cost more

A Maharashtra government-appointed panel has recommended a hike in service charge to be levied by blood banks in the state.

The panel was set up on the demand of blood bank directors.

Last year, a meeting chaired by state FDA commissioner reviewed the functioning of blood banks. Representatives of blood banks and state blood transfusion council took part in the meeting which decided to set up a 16-member committee.

The panel, in its report, said for a blood bank to levy service charge, it should collect at least 5,000 units of blood every year. At present, the service charge for one unit (bag) of blood is Rs 850.

According to the committee's recommendation, service charge of blood product shall be raised every year, as per the annual inflation rate or by 10 per cent per year.

Maharashtra Association of Blood bank was demanding hike in service charge due to the expenditure on processing.

It said the service charge be raised to Rs 1,350. But, the panel fixed the charge at Rs 1,150 per unit.

Health Minister Suresh Shetty said the recommendation will be sent to the Centre for approval.

"Only after the Centre's nod that the new service charge will come into effect," he added.