The number of HIV infection cases is between 75,000 and 150,000 and that is also attributed to unsafe injections, as well as to intravenous drug addiction. Recognizing the critical role of blood transfusion in the prevention and control of these deadly diseases, many countries have adopted integrated programmes. The need for taking similar steps in Pakistan assumes urgency in view of the absence of a risk-free process. There has been an alarming increase in the transmission of hepatitis and HIV viruses in Pakistan. Blood transfusion was a major contributory factor in the increase in the number of such cases.
Blood banks pay inadequate attention to the risks involved in transfusion.
Most depend on professional donors, many of whom are addicts and carriers of infectious diseases. While blood is screened in government hospitals, there are delays in getting the results which can prove fatal in emergency cases. In view of mounting evidence of transfusion-related risks, the Punjab government had earlier decided to initiate a regulatory mechanism for blood transfusion and blood banks and centres. Last month, it made it binding on government and private blood banks and hospitals to screen out hepatitis B and C as well as HIV viruses before transfusion. The claim made by some laboratories that they screen the blood meant for transfusion is sometimes doubted by medical experts.