Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 16 January 2025: The two-day National Workshop on Operationalizing the External Quality Assessment Programme for Blood Centres in promoting Patient Safety and Access to Safe Blood Transfusion Services in India is jointly being organized by the Blood Transfusion Services Division, Directorate General of Health Services (Dte. GHS), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, in collaboration with the WHO India Country Office and Department of Transfusion Medicine, CMC- Vellore on 16-17 January, 2025, at the Park Inn by Radisson, Vellore, Tamil Nadu.
The Dte. GHS is committed to strengthening blood transfusion quality and safety by expanding the National EQA Programme to all states and Union Territories. This initiative follows recommendations from the 2022 National Workshop on Blood Safety, emphasizing the need for nationwide implementation of the EQA Programme.
External Quality Assessment in blood transfusion laboratories evaluates testing performance, ensuring safe and compatible blood products. It identifies gaps and drives continuous improvement through authorized external assessments.
In the inaugural session Dr. Krishan Kumar, Director, NBTC, highlighted, “The EQA Programme is a transformative step towards high-quality blood transfusion standards, safeguarding patient safety, and strengthening our healthcare system.”
Dr. Madhur Gupta, Technical Officer at WHO India, emphasized WHO’s key role in supporting national blood system by providing technical assistance, standards, and operational frameworks for EQAS implementation at central and state levels.
The workshop brought together representatives from 36 states and UTs, along with national experts and policymakers, to advance the operationalization of the National EQA Programme. It aimed to build the capacity of blood centres to ensure nationwide consistency in quality and patient safety.
Dr. Dolly Daniel, Head of Transfusion Medicine at CMC Vellore, welcomed participants, underscoring the workshop’s collaborative spirit.
Adding to the discourse, Dr. Vikram Mathews, Director of CMC Vellore, highlighted the importance of collaboration and capacity building in improving blood transfusion safety and patient care, stating, “This workshop underscores our commitment to safer transfusion practices and quality care through strengthened partnerships.
The event also marked the release of the Operational Guidelines for National External Quality Assessment Programme for Blood Centres in India, a comprehensive resource for ensuring effective participation in EQAS.
This workshop reflects India’s commitment to patient safety, equitable access to safe blood, and alignment with global healthcare standards. The collaborative efforts aim to empower blood centres nationwide by strengthening quality management systems through EQAS participation.
Last updated on January 18, 2025
