The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has eliminated all other blood overcharging costs, allowing hospitals and blood banks to charge processing fees for blood or blood components. The amended criteria restrict blood commercialization and encourage voluntary contributions to ensure safe, high-quality blood.
To prevent overcharging, the top drug regulator has eliminated all other charges, allowing hospitals and blood banks to solely charge blood processing fees.
Considering that “blood is not for sale”, the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) informed all state and UT drugs controllers and licensing bodies of the decision.
In the December 26 letter, the DCGI stated, “It was recommended with respect to agenda No. 18 of ATR point 3, for overcharging of blood, it was opined that blood is not for sale, it is only for supply and only processing cost may be charged by the blood centre.” The 62nd Drugs Consultative Committee meeting was held on September 26, 2023.
Only processing costs of Rs 250 to 1,550 can be paid for blood or blood components under the updated standards.
The DCGI has ordered state and UT drug controllers to require all blood centers to follow the amended criteria.
Private hospitals charge Rs 3,000 to Rs 8,000 per unit of blood without donation, according to official sources. Blood shortages or unusual blood groups may increase fees.
This judgment prevents blood commercialization and preserves its humanitarian value. By prohibiting blood sales, the DCGI seeks to encourage voluntary and altruistic contributions to fulfill medical crises’ growing blood needs. This will ensure patients receive safe, high-quality blood without payment. This DCGI ruling promotes ethical healthcare and protects blood as a valuable gift of life.
Conclusion
The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has eliminated all other blood overcharging costs, allowing hospitals and blood banks to charge processing fees for blood or blood components. They believed blood is for supply, not sale. The amended guidelines allow processing costs of Rs 250 to 1,550 for blood or blood components. The DCGI has requested state and UT drug regulators to instruct blood centers to follow these rules. The goal is to prevent blood commercialization and encourage voluntary donations.
