In case of non-donation of blood, private hospitals and blood banks charge an average of Rs 2,000 to Rs 6,000 per unit. Additionally, processing fees are always charged regardless of blood donation. However, under the new guidelines, only processing fees can be charged, which ranges between Rs 250 to Rs 1,550 for blood or blood components.
According to the news published in Network 18, to deal with the practice of charging high prices for blood in hospitals and private blood banks, the Central Government has decided to waive all the charges except the processing fee. This choice was made in the light of the perspective that “blood is not for sale”, resulting in an advisory being issued to all blood centers across India.
Earlier private hospitals used to charge so much money
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) has asked all states and union territories to adhere to the updated decision and follow the revised guidelines of the National Blood Transfusion Council (NBTC). In case of non-donation of blood, private hospitals and blood banks charge an average of Rs 2,000 to Rs 6,000 per unit. In case of blood deficiency or rare blood group, the fee exceeds Rs 10,000. Additionally, processing fees are always charged regardless of blood donation.
However, under the new guidelines, only processing fees can be charged which ranges between Rs 250 to Rs 1,550 for blood or blood components. For example, Rs 1,550 may be charged when dispensing whole blood or packed red blood cells, while the charge for plasma and platelets will be Rs 400 per pack. Government regulations also set other fees for running additional tests on the blood, including cross-matching and antibody testing.
This step has been made keeping the patients in mind. This decision will help in curbing the practice of high pricing done by some corporate hospitals. Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder where patients survive on regular blood transfusions and Thalassemia major patients have to undergo blood transfusion twice a month. Paying fees for asking for blood is part of the huge financial burden that this disease causes.
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