Blood transfusion (whole blood and components of blood) has become a critical healthcare service and has gained the status of essential medicine, especially in the LMICs. Blood transfusions are critical for treating severe anaemia, maternal haemorrhage, trauma-related injuries, supporting surgeries, managing chronic conditions, and improving overall healthcare quality. Despite their importance, there is a significant global shortage of blood and blood products, particularly in LMICs like Bangladesh, which requires over 900,000 units of blood annually. Currently, there are 204 BT centres in the public sector and 164 in the private sector in Bangladesh . These BT centres provide screened whole blood; only 24 centres provide blood components (e.g., packed blood cells, platelets and plasm concentrates).

In Bangladesh, barriers to safe and adequate blood transfusion include insufficient voluntary donors, limited trained personnel, shortages of screening kits and processing facilities, inadequate storage, and cultural beliefs related to BT among the people. Since the Safe Blood Transfusion Act of 2002, there has been no comprehensive assessment of the BTS in Bangladesh as to its current operation, including implementation challenges. A study is proposed to conduct an assessment on the current status of the national blood transfusion services in both the public and private sectors, identify needs and gaps and provide recommendations to improve services. This study will fill in these knowledge gaps and articulate evidence-based recommendations for developing an efficient and sustainable BT system fit for the 21st century. Relevant data will be collected from primary, secondary, and tertiary level facilities across 17 districts from 8 administrative divisions of Bangladesh. Rapid Review to understand current situation, facility audit, quantitative survey and qualitative interviews will be done to elicit relevant data. The study is expected to begin from mid-October and finish within six months.

 From a forthcoming project on

 "Assessment of public and private blood transfusion services under the DGHS"

Implemented By: BRAC James P Grant School of Public Health (BRAC JPGSPH), Bangladesh