Media Release
Udupi, Mar 26: The National Blood Transfusion Council (NBTC), Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, in collaboration with Kasturba Medical College (KMC), Manipal, organised a one-day workshop on “Strengthening Public–Private Collaboration in Blood Transfusion Services” at Dr TMA Pai Hall, Manipal.
The workshop brought together more than 100 medical officers and blood centre in-charges from South and Eastern India, creating an important platform for discussion, knowledge sharing and improving coordination in blood transfusion services.
“Public and private partnership is very important to strengthen blood transfusion services in our country. Such collaborations will help improve quality, safety and accessibility of blood services for patients,” said Dr Sharath Rao, pro vice chancellor, Manipal Academy of Higher Education. “I appreciate the Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion (IHBT), KMC Manipal, for their continuous efforts in providing high-quality blood products and maintaining strong safety standards.
This workshop has been conceptualised to strengthen blood transfusion services through better coordination between public and private sectors. It also aims to address the key challenges faced by private blood centres and to build a more efficient and safe blood service system across the country,” said Dr Megha Pravin Khobragade, deputy director general (BTS), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
Dr Anil Bhat, dean of KMC Manipal, welcomed the gathering. Dr Avinash Shetty, medical superintendent, highlighted the importance of collaboration in healthcare and said that strong partnerships between public and private sectors are essential for strengthening the national health system. Dr Ganesh Mohan, head of IHBT, delivered the vote of thanks.
Dr Shamee Shastry, programme coordinator, said that this was the first workshop of its kind where private blood centres had direct interaction with NBTC. She added that this initiative is an important step towards improving blood safety and quality standards across the country.
The scientific sessions were led by national experts. Dr Megha Pravin Khobragade spoke on the National Blood Policy. Dr Shamee Shastry discussed Quality Assurance and EQAS. Dr Ganesh Mohan moderated a session on challenges faced by private blood centres. Mayank demonstrated e-Rakt Kosh. Dr Purushottam Puri spoke on promoting voluntary blood donation. Dr Deepika Chenna explained Nucleic Acid Testing (NAT), and Dr Ruby Khan discussed capacity building and human resource development.
The workshop concluded successfully with active participation and meaningful discussions, aiming to further strengthen blood transfusion services across India.