BLOOD is considered a safest health commodity as it is carefully collected, tested, stored and administered in blood banks. Blood banks are essential parts of healthcare system. However in Pakistan, there are very few blood banks in Pakistan that operate in accordance with international standards and protocols. Patients depending on repeated transfusions, bear consequences of a weak system. A life-saving commodity can become a vehicle for HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C or other infections. A Major reason behind such condition is not lack of regulations but poor practices in some hospitals, laboratories and blood-collection facilities. The country’s updated National Blood Transfusion and Blood Products Policy for 2025–2030 acknowledges the need for a nationally organized and coordinated transfusion service in the sector. People with Thalassemia and other chronic conditions require regular transfusions. Every transfusion exposes them to the system that collected, screened, stored and released that blood.

Chain of transfusion matters more in this regard. Donors must be properly supervised using sterile equipment. Every donation must undergo mandatory screening under controlled conditions and hospitals must maintain traceability. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends every donated unit be screened before release with mandatory testing for infectious diseases. Pakistan’s own........

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