Should the National Blood Transfusion Bill Be Passed in Parliament?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- National Blood Transfusion Bill introduced in Parliament.
- Focus on safe and regulated blood transfusions.
- Establishment of a National Blood Transfusion Authority.
- Importance for thalassemia patients who rely on blood.
- Call for urgent action from Parliament.
New Delhi, Dec 12 (NationPress) On Friday, thalassemia patients expressed their appreciation for the introduction of the National Blood Transfusion Bill in Parliament, urging members to expedite its passage due to its life-saving potential.
Earlier this month, during the Winter session of Parliament, the National Blood Transfusion Bill, 2025 was introduced by MP Parshottambhai Rupala in the Lok Sabha and by Dr. Ajeet Madhavrao Gopchade in the Rajya Sabha.
This Bill aims to regulate the collection, testing, processing, storage, distribution, issuance, and transfusion of human blood and its components, ensuring health protection and preventing transfusion-transmissible diseases. It also proposes the establishment of national standards for safe blood collection, transfusion, and management, along with penalties for non-compliance and related matters.
The primary goal is to set up a National Blood Transfusion Authority with statutory powers to define national standards for blood collection, processing, storage, and transfusion.
“For the thalassemia community in India, which relies on safe, continuous, and quality-assured blood transfusions for survival, this legislation represents a historic and eagerly awaited advancement,” stated the Thalassemia Patients Advocacy Group (TPAG).
“It symbolizes a coherent and serious commitment from Parliament to reform one of India's most under-regulated yet critical public health domains,” TPAG added, urging MPs to swiftly pass the Bill.
For millions of patients dependent on blood as their lifeline, this reform brings hope for a safer, more accountable, and efficient blood ecosystem.
A cohesive national framework will be crucial for enhancing safety, quality assurance, accountability, and public trust.
“Strengthening the governance of blood transfusion services is vital for ensuring safety and fostering public trust. I hope this proposed bill provides a necessary, science-based framework to streamline standards and improve patient outcomes,” remarked Prof. N.K. Ganguly, former Director General of ICMR.
Anubha Taneja Mukherjee, Member Secretary of TPAG, mentioned that the advocacy group will provide detailed feedback on the Bill and strongly urged for the inclusion of patient representation in any body formed under this framework.
The Federation of Indian Blood Donors Organizations (FIBDO) also praised the efforts made by MPs to introduce this crucial Bill in Parliament.
“We urge all parliamentarians to come together in passing this bill, which holds the potential to save countless lives and strengthen the foundation of India's healthcare system,” stated FIBDO in a press release.