Deepak Chopra and Anubha Taneja-Mukherjee Urge Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal for New Blood Law in India
New Delhi [India], July 16: Deepak Chopra, Mentor of the Thalassemia Patients Advocacy Group (TPAG), and Anubha Taneja-Mukherjee, Member Secretary of TPAG, met with Union Minister for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal. They submitted a representation seeking a consolidated blood law for the country.
The representation highlighted the outdated nature of the current legislation, the Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1945, which regulates blood transfusion services but lacks modern blood screening methodologies. The group also called for the full implementation of the Common Cause Judgment of 1996, which proposed separate legislation for blood.
In their letter to Meghwal, TPAG stated, “We draw your kind attention to the need for having a consolidated blood law for regulating blood transfusion services in India. This will particularly benefit the patients of thalassemia (they depend on fortnightly blood transfusions for survival) since such consolidation will be a step towards ensuring safe blood, which is as important as safe water or safer air that attracts attention on account of their being fundamental rights.”
The letter further explained that India currently has fragmented and complicated structures for blood safety. While the National Blood Transfusion Council (NBTC) provides guidelines for voluntary blood donation and screening, the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, outline the requirements for blood collection, storage, processing, and distribution. However, there is no mandate for blood screening methodologies, leaving each blood bank to choose their own tests.
TPAG requested the initiation of a drive to consolidate and modernize India’s blood laws to address these gaps and ensure safer blood for all.
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Deepak Chopra -: Deepak Chopra is a well-known author and speaker who talks about health and wellness. He is famous for his books on mind-body medicine.
Anubha Taneja-Mukherjee -: Anubha Taneja-Mukherjee is an advocate for people with thalassemia, a blood disorder. She works to improve their lives and healthcare.
Thalassemia -: Thalassemia is a blood disorder where the body makes an abnormal form of hemoglobin. People with thalassemia need regular blood transfusions to stay healthy.
Union Minister -: A Union Minister is a member of the government in India who is in charge of a specific department or ministry. Arjun Ram Meghwal is one such minister.
Arjun Ram Meghwal -: Arjun Ram Meghwal is an Indian politician and a Union Minister. He works in the government to help make laws and policies.
Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1945 -: The Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1945 is an old law in India that regulates the import, manufacture, and sale of drugs and cosmetics. It also includes rules about blood safety.
Blood screening -: Blood screening is the process of testing blood to make sure it is safe to use for transfusions. This helps prevent the spread of diseases.
Blood transfusions -: Blood transfusions are when blood from a donor is given to someone who needs it, like a patient with thalassemia. This helps them stay healthy.