NERMPI endeavours to optimise blood banking resources

DIMAPUR — The North East Regional Multi-Disciplinary Paramedical Institute (NERMPI) at Christian Institute of Health Sciences and Research (CIHSR) organised a comprehensive two-day workshop on blood banking (Immunohematology) on April 2 and 3.

An update from NERMPI stated that the workshop was aimed at optimising existing resources, enhancing the capacity of healthcare professionals and improving blood transfusion services in Nagaland, given the limited number of licensed blood centres relative to its population.

It stated that the workshop catered to the specific needs of medical officers and medical laboratory technologists, the key stakeholders in blood banking and transfusion services. Besides, it added that the workshop was aimed at capacity-building, quality improvement and resource optimisation in the field of blood banking.

The workshop was focused on enhancing the knowledge and skills of lab technologists and medical officers in various aspects of blood banking practices including blood collection, screening, processing, storage and license application processes for blood centres and storage centres.

It also emphasised on adhering to national and international standards and guidelines. The workshop aimed to establish protocols and procedures for ensuring the quality and safety of donated blood and blood products.

The workshop also explored strategies for maximising the efficiency and effectiveness of existing blood centres in Nagaland with emphasis on facilitating collaboration and resource sharing among blood banks and healthcare facilities to meet the demand for blood and blood products.

The resource persons of the workshop included Dr. Joy Mammen, Head of Transfusion Medicine, CMC Vellore; Dr. T Temsu Ao, consultant at District Hospital, Dimapur; Dr. Avila Sangtam, junior specialist of blood centre at Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK); and Dr. Mejungsangla Longkumer, blood centre officer at CIHSR.

Report stated that the workshop covered a wide range of topics tailored to the needs of laboratory technologists and medical officers. For laboratory technologists, topics included ABO RH typing and discrepancies, anti-human globulin test, selection of reagents and quality control of blood grouping reagents, compatibility testing, donor screening and bleeding, TTI screening, blood components separation and storage.

For medical officers, emphasis was placed on requirements and processes for application of blood centre/ storage centre license, donor screening, TTI and counseling. It was supplemented by a visit to CIHSR blood centre.

The workshop was conducted in collaboration with Abbott India, IMMUCORE, BD Lab Solution, NATURO-TECH, INTAS Pharmaceutical and Babina Diagnostic Centre.

Report further stated that participants were equipped with enhanced skills and knowledge vital for ensuring efficient blood banking and transfusion services in Nagaland.