Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad has issued an ordinance amending the Sindh Transfusion of Safe Blood Act, 1997 which will come into effect immediately to make the blood transfusion system in Sindh safe and to regulate the working of blood banks and concerned organisations.
Taking notice of complaints regarding blood transfusion system, the governor held a number of meetings in this regard during last few months and had a detailed review of working of hospitals and blood banks.
In order to improve the situation, besides registration of blood banks, it was made compulsory for hospitals to maintain record of blood transfusion.
Since necessary amendments were required in the existing Act to further improve the system, the governor issued the Amendment Ordinance on Saturday.
In order to give final shape to law, consultations were held with representative medical associations, medical education institutions, hospital management and legal experts so that the system of blood transfusion is made safer and the Mafia playing with the lives of people in this field could be eliminated.
Under the Amendment Ordinance, any premises where illegal blood transfusion activity will be found carried out, could be sealed while blood banks functioning in violation of rules and regulations could also be sealed.
In the ordinance the imprisonment for people involved in blood transfer in violation of law has been enhanced from two to three years.
In order to ensure administrative improvement, the Blood Transfusion Authority will now be headed by Secretary Health instead of Director General Health.
Meanwhile, the governor has directed the concerned authorities to ensure enforcement of law and regulations to ensure the safety of the life and health of people and make the same binding for organisations and people associated with this field.