Maha govt launches unique 'blood-on-call' scheme

, Jan 7:

Chief Minister

on Tuesday rolled out "Jeevan Amrut Yojana" (

-on-call scheme) across the state.

The ambitious plan, said to be first-of-its-kind in the country, is aimed at facilitating blood supply to patients scheduled to undergo surgeries and medical procedures, at cheaper rate by dialling a dedicated helpline number "104". The scope of the scheme is widened to entire state following its successful implementation on the pilot basis in Satara and Sindhudurg districts.

Chief Minister Chavan, deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Health Minister Suresh Shetty were present at the function to launch the scheme at J J Hospital blood bank here. With facilitating timely blood supply, the scheme is also aimed at reducing hardships that are usually faced by patients and their relatives in procuring blood.

Under the scheme, the request for blood will have to be placed by hospitals. The patients will have to pay Rs 450 towards the cost of blood and Rs 50 to Rs 100 as the cost of transportation depending on the distance involved. Upon receiving the call, the required blood and blood components will be transported on motorcycle to hospitals and nursing homes in specially fitted cold storage boxes.

Hospitals are required to register themselves for linkage with the blood storage centres and provide details such as requirement of blood. Once the hospitals place request for blood, blood sample of the patient will be taken from the hospital by the personnel of the agency appointed for the purpose who will also deliver the blood once the sample is cross-matched.

PTI