The experts at the concluding session of the international conference on blood banking here on Sunday underlined the need for increased production of various blood products locally that would reduce the cost and help a large number of patients in Pakistan.
The two-day 1st International Symposium on 'Transfusion Medicine Blood Banking: It's in our blood' was organised by Healthcare Academy For Knowledge (HCAK), an US-based non-profit organisation, at a local hotel.
The speakers said that one blood unit or a bag can cater to the needs of three to four patients at a time, but for that there should be facility to produce various products from that one blood donation.'
Blood contains various components and every patient does not need all components. Presently this facility is available at selected blood banks in big cities, but is not available in smaller or private hospitals in other parts of the country' they said.
The experts focused on creating awareness about safe blood transfusion among masses and adopting quality control at every laboratory.
They said the people should know what is the good blood banking, and for this purpose they should be motivated and educated.
They emphasised on removing all impediments in safe blood transfusion and suggested zero percent duty on import of blood screening tests. Since these kits are considered as Life-Saving kits, they should be exempted form all taxes and levies, they stressed.
The experts underlined the need for increased role of communities adding that communities should be motivated and encouraged for volunteering blood donations. In this regard people should be educated and some incentives or motivations should be provided to volunteer blood donors, they proposed.