Increased Blood Packet Rates should Slashed down, – demand by FBDOO, ODISHA.
Bhubaneswar: The Federation of Blood Donor Organizations of Odisha (FBDOO) today met with the Secretary of the Indian Red Cross Society, Odisha, and submitted a memorandum demanding the immediate rollback of the recent ₹100 increase in blood packet rates by the Central Red Cross Blood Bank, Cuttack.
The FBDOO also submitted a grievance letter to the Director of the State Blood Transfusion Council of Odisha, urging them to take necessary action against what they perceive as a monopoly by the central blood bank.
The FBDOO argues that the previous blood packet rates were fixed by the state government, which also provides all necessary facilities to the Red Cross Blood Bank to ensure an adequate blood supply for the people of Odisha.
The organization emphasizes the non-profit nature of the Red Cross and expresses concern that the increased rates will create undue hardship for the poor and vulnerable populations who rely on affordable blood transfusions.
“This sudden and substantial increase in blood packet rates is unacceptable,” said Trilochan Dash, Secretary of the FBDOO. “It directly contradicts the mission of the Red Cross as a humanitarian organization and places an unfair burden on those who can least afford it. We urge the authorities to intervene and restore the previous rates immediately.”
Akhaya Kumar Rout, President of the FBDOO, added, “The state government provides significant support to the Red Cross Blood Bank to serve the people of Odisha.
This unilateral decision to increase rates undermines those efforts and creates an unnecessary financial barrier to essential medical care.”
Santosh Kumar Mohanty, State Coordinator, further stated, “We have also raised our concerns with the State Blood Transfusion Council and requested their intervention to address this issue and ensure that the Central Red Cross Blood Bank operates in the best interests of the public.”
The memorandum and grievance letter were submitted by a delegation comprising FBDOO Secretary Trilochan Dash, President Akhaya Kumar Rout, State Co-ordinator Santosh Kumar Mohanty, Treasurer Rajesh Nayak, and other members of the organization.
The FBDOO has vowed to continue its efforts until the increased blood packet rates are reduced.
