Telangana DCA to blood banks: No overcharging allowed, display processing fees clearly

Hyderabad: In a recent development, the Drugs Control Administration (DCA) of Telangana has taken decisive action against blood banks, who were found overcharging customers, during surprise raids on February 21 and 22.

The administration has mandated that blood banks adhere strictly to the charges fixed by the Government of India for blood and related components, such as plasma and platelets. As stated by VB Kamalasan Reddy, IPS, director general of the DCA, “Blood centres will face stringent action if they overcharge for blood and its components.”

Difference between government and non-government blood centres

The move comes in response to instances of overcharging uncovered during the surprise raids, indicating a potential violation of guidelines. The charges, as outlined by the National Blood Transfusion Council (NBTC), distinguish between government and non-government blood centres.

For instance, processing charges for government blood centres are fixed at Rs 1,100 for Whole Blood and Packed Red Cells, and Rs 300 for Fresh Frozen Plasma and Platelet Concentrate.

Non-government blood centres are authorised to charge slightly higher, with processing fees set at Rs 1,550 for Whole Blood and Packed Red Cells, and Rs 400 for Fresh Frozen Plasma and Platelet Concentrate.

To address specialised tests, components, and processes, the NBTC provides a detailed breakdown of charges. These include fees for NAT (1200), Chemiluminescence (500), ELISA Anti-HIV 1/2 (4th Gen) (50), ELISA HBsAg (4th Gen) (50), ELISA Anti HCV (4th Gen) (150), among others.

Free transfusions in special cases

It is mandatory for all blood centres, both government-supported and non-government-supported, to provide blood and blood components free of cost to patients requiring repeated transfusions due to conditions such as Thalassemia, Haemophilia, Sickle Cell Anaemia, and other blood dyscrasias.

“Processing charges for blood/blood components should be displayed prominently in the blood centre premises so that it is conspicuously visible to the recipients,” Kamalasan Reddy added.

Any instances of overcharging can be reported through the Drugs Control Administration’s toll-free number, 1800-599-6969.