Blood transfusion transmits HIV, Hepatitis B & C
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 02 2013 : There have been some cases where healthy mothers were infected with HIV and or Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C due to transfusion of infected blood post child delivery, said Shija Hospitals and Research Institute Managing Director Dr Kh Palin.

Addressing media persons in presence of Health Minister Phungzathang Tonsing at his hospital this afternoon, Dr Palin said that transfusion of blood is risky even it is done for emergency requirements after conducting the conventional test for infection by HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C can be known only after 45 days of (infected) blood transfusion and this period is known as Window Period.

He went on to claim that the Shija Blood Bank and Blood Transfusion Service opened at Shija Hospital under the joint initiative of the hospital, NEC and Government of Manipur has been accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers.

The blood bank was inaugurated in September last year by DoNER Minister Pawan Singh Ghatowar and it has now earned the distinction of being the first blood bank in the entire North East region accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers.

In addition, the blood bank has facility for blood nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) which is again the first of its kind in the North East region.

Blood transfusion transmits HIV, Hepatitis B & C

Through NAAT, doctors can say whether one is infected with HIV, Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C within two days of conducting blood test, Dr Palin said.

Drawing attention of the Health Minister, Dr Palin opined that it would be highly beneficial in the fight against HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C if the Government pays the fee for nucleic acid amplification test and the same test is made mandatory for all blood donors.

Currently fee for nucleic acid amplification test is Rs 1500 per test .

Due measures would be taken up so that blood samples sent from different parts of the North Eastern States can be tested at Shija Blood Bank and Transfusion Service, and pass on the results instantly through internet.

Health Minister Phungzathang Tonsing while informing that the Central Government has issued a directive to make NAAT mandatory, stated that the State Government would consider to issue a similar directive.

Acknowledging the special facilities available at Shija Hospital, the Health Minister underscored the importance of checking transmission of HIV as well as Hepatitis B & C .

Saying that the Government has been working allow treatment of all kinds of diseases and health problems in all Government empanelled hospitals, Phunzathang said that BPL families can apply to concerned DCs/CMOs to avail Rs 50,000 for diagnosis and treatment in the Government empanelled hospitals from the Manipur State Illness Fund.