New Delhi: Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan (LNJP) Hospital is facing a severe shortage of leukodepleted blood, leaving over 100 thalassemia patients at risk of serious transfusion-related complications for more than five months. Patients reliant on these specialized blood products have expressed distress over the ongoing disruption.
Patients Report Severe Side Effects
Despite repeated appeals to hospital authorities, patients report receiving no clear information about when leukodepleted blood will be available. One patient stated, “I haven’t received leukodepleted blood since April. Letters submitted to the HOD and medical director have not provided any timeline.” Many patients experience vomiting and severe allergic reactions for several days after transfusions without leukodepleted blood, severely affecting their daily life and work.
Importance of Leukodepleted Blood
Leukodepleted blood is filtered to remove white blood cells while retaining red blood cells, making it crucial for thalassemia patients. It significantly reduces the risk of transfusion-related complications and ensures safer treatment compared to regular blood transfusions.
Hospital Explains Shortage
Hospital officials attribute the shortage to a lack of specialized blood bags required for storing leukodepleted blood, a consequence of the government’s recent move to centralized procurement of medical supplies. Dr Sunil Kumar, head of the LNJP blood bank, stated that supplies are expected to resume within a week. Meanwhile, transfusions are being administered using regular blood bags, with pediatric staff managing any adverse reactions.
Advocacy Groups Criticize Situation
Patient advocacy groups have criticized the lack of priority given to thalassemia patients. Anubha T Mukherjee, Member Secretary of the Thalassemia Patients Advocacy Group (TPAG), highlighted the economic and medical challenges, noting that bedside leukocyte filters cost between Rs 600 and Rs 1,200 per bag, making alternative solutions expensive and inaccessible. She questioned the hospital’s prioritization, asking, “Who is actually benefitting from the unavailability of this kind of blood?”
