Blood transfusions, Sri Lanka has highest standards in the region

NADIRA GUNATILLEKE

The interim report of the WHO investigation into the use of expired plasma kits says that although it cannot approve the use of expired plasma kits no harm had been caused to the health of blood donors due to their use, Healthcare and Nutrition Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva said.

Minister De Silva was addressing media at the National Blood Bank, Colombo yesterday, said that only one person is still undergoing medical investigations and according to the findings he does not have any major health problem. The report will be launched after the last investigation completed. The report was compiled by Prof. Lalitha Mendis and Dr. Alexandar Mijovic of Kings College, United Kingdom.

The Government spend over Rs. 4,500 to take one pint of blood from a donor and give it to a patient. Only two cases of HIV transmission cases have been reported from Sri Lanka so far. Blood is being screened for HIV and all other diseases before giving to a patient and the National blood Bank keeps records of all blood donors and the patients who receive blood. The quality of blood transfusion service of Sri Lanka has the highest standards of the region, the Minister said.

The Minister pointed out that certain media used this incident in a way which assisted the LTTE and cause damage to the war heroes. Now the Public Service Commission is dealing with the issue and it will decide the action to be taken against the culprits, the Minister pointed out.