Latest news with #SangeetaPathak
Time of India
18-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
NAT should be mandatory at all blood banks: Experts
New Delhi: Diagnosed with thalassemia at the age of two, a 23-year-old woman depended on blood transfusions every three weeks to stay alive. But when she was hospitalised with dengue in Class VIII, doctors discovered something more alarming - she was diagnosed as HIV-positive. "I wasn't recovering. After several tests, they told me I was HIV-positive. I suspect it came from a transfusion. If the blood was properly tested, maybe this wouldn't have happened," she said. Now living with both thalassemia and HIV, she depends not only on regular transfusions, but also on antiretroviral treatment. The woman's testimony at the roundtable on "Ensuring Safe Blood for All: Strengthening Blood Safety Practices", organised by the Thalassemia Patients Advocacy Group (TPAG) at India International Centre on Thursday, brought into sharp focus the urgent need to fix India's entire blood safety ecosystem. Experts at the event called for comprehensive reforms - from mandatory nucleic acid testing ( NAT ) at all blood banks to boosting voluntary blood donation and patient participation in policymaking. NAT, which detects HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C during the early infection "window period", is far more effective than standard tests, but is not yet mandatory across India. "Safe blood is not just about testing - it begins at the source," said Dr Sangeeta Pathak, secretary general of Indian Society of Blood Transfusion & Immunohematology (ISBTI) and head of Transfusion Medicine at Max Saket. "Voluntary, non-remunerated blood donation is key. Sri Lanka has achieved 100% voluntary donation. Why not India?" She called on both professionals and the public to take ownership. "We must talk about it, promote it, and strengthen the culture of safe, voluntary blood donation." Anubha Taneja Mukherjee, member secretary, TPAG, reminded participants that blood safety is a matter of human rights. "This isn't just a technical issue. It's about dignity, equity, and the right to safe, life-saving interventions." Public health advocate Prof Bejon Kumar Misra emphasised the need for transparency and accountability. "Safety is non-negotiable. People have a right to know what is being done - and what's not. Communication is critical. We need strategies that ensure no patient falls through the cracks." P C Sen, senior Supreme Court advocate, reiterated the state's legal obligation to ensure access to pathogen-free blood .
Time of India
17-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Unsafe blood and unkept promises: Experts suggest mandatory NAT at all blood banks
New Delhi: Diagnosed with thalassemia at the age of two, a 23-year-old woman depended on blood transfusions every three weeks to stay alive. But when she was hospitalised with dengue in Class VIII, doctors discovered something more alarming — she was HIV-positive. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "I wasn't recovering. After several tests, they told me I was HIV-positive. I suspect it came from a transfusion. If the blood was properly tested, maybe this wouldn't have happened," she said. Now living with both thalassemia and HIV, she depends not only on regular transfusions, but also on antiretroviral treatment. The woman's testimony at the roundtable on "Ensuring Safe Blood for All: Strengthening Blood Safety Practices", organised by the Thalassemia Patients Advocacy Group (TPAG) at India International Centre on Thursday, brought into sharp focus the urgent need to fix India's blood safety ecosystem. Experts at the event called for comprehensive reforms — from mandatory nucleic acid testing (NAT) at all blood banks to boosting voluntary blood donation and patient participation in policymaking. NAT, which detects HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C during the early infection "window period", is far more effective than standard tests, but is not yet mandatory across India. "Safe blood is not just about testing — it begins at the source," said Dr Sangeeta Pathak, secretary general of Indian Society of Blood Transfusion & Immunohematology (ISBTI) and head of Transfusion Medicine at Max Saket. "Voluntary, non-remunerated blood donation is key. Sri Lanka has achieved 100% voluntary donation. Why not India?" She called on both professionals and the public to take ownership. "We must talk about it, promote it, and strengthen the culture of safe, voluntary blood donation." Anubha Taneja Mukherjee, member secretary, TPAG, reminded participants that blood safety is a matter of human rights. "This isn't just a technical issue. It's about dignity, equity, and the right to safe, life-saving interventions." Public health advocate Prof Bejon Kumar Misra emphasised the need for transparency and accountability. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "Safety is non-negotiable. People have a right to know what is being done — and what's not. Communication is critical. We need strategies that ensure no patient falls through the cracks." P C Sen, senior Supreme Court advocate, reiterated the state's legal obligation to ensure access to pathogen-free blood. "It's not just a public health concern. It's constitutional." BJP spokesperson Tuhin A Sinha assured the gathering of govt's commitment to stronger frameworks and cross-sector collaboration. "This is not a single-agency issue. It requires everyone — govt, civil society and experts — coming together to strengthen the system," he said. Prof N K Ganguly, former DG of ICMR, highlighted the need for investment in diagnostics, better regulation, and scaling up innovations. The roundtable brought together perspectives from medicine, law, advocacy and governance, each viewing the issue through a different lens but advocating a unified message — that blood safety must be treated as foundational to India's healthcare transformation, not as a peripheral challenge.
News18
13-06-2025
- Health
- News18
Thinking Of Donating Blood? Here's A Handy Guide On What First-Timers Should Know
Last Updated: If you are planning to donate blood for the first time, then check out this expert-approved guide that lists out things that first-time blood donors should be aware of. Donating blood for the first time can feel daunting, but it's one of the most impactful acts of kindness you can offer. With just one donation, you can potentially save up to three lives. A little preparation and reassurance go a long way in making your first experience smooth, safe, and empowering. Ahead of World Blood Donor Day, marked on June 14, we break down everything you need to know. Dr. Sangeeta Pathak, Director & Head of Transfusion Medicine at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket shares a list of things that first-time blood donors should know. Who Can Donate Blood? Blood donation is a life-saving act, but not everyone may be eligible to donate. Donors must be in good general health, mentally alert, and physically fit. The age bracket for donation ranges from 18 to 65 years, though first-time donors must be under 60. Before donating, your blood pressure, pulse, body temperature, and haemoglobin level (at least 12.5 gm/dL) will be checked to ensure you're fit for donation. Additionally, men can donate whole blood every three months, while women can donate once every four months. Pre-Donation Essentials Preparation plays a key role in a safe blood donation. Eat a proper meal before your appointment to maintain energy levels and reduce the risk of lightheadedness. First-time donors should also ensure they are free from chronic conditions related to the lungs, liver, kidneys, gastrointestinal or genitourinary systems. Recent surgeries matter too: if you've undergone a major surgery within the past year or a minor surgery in the last three months, you'll need to wait before donating. Certain chronic illnesses may or may not disqualify you. For example, individuals with diabetes managed with oral medication can donate blood, but those on insulin therapy are not eligible. Similarly, donors with benign thyroid conditions can donate if they are asymptomatic and stable for at least eight weeks without a dose adjustment. However, individuals with thyrotoxicosis or malignant thyroid tumours are permanently deferred. Who Is Permanently or Temporarily Deferred? Some conditions permanently disqualify a person from donating blood. These include: Others lead to temporary deferrals: Understanding these guidelines not only ensures your safety but also that of the recipients. First Published: June 13, 2025, 13:56 IST
