Maharashtra to use surplus plasma for making life-saving medicines

Maharashtra Medical Education Minister Hasan Mushrif has ordered officials to draft a proposal for using the state's vast surplus of plasma, over 325,000 litres, to manufacture affordable, life-saving medicines for serious diseases.

Plan to Utilise Surplus Plasma

Maharashtra Medical Education Minister Hasan Mushrif on Monday directed officials to prepare a detailed proposal for the effective utilisation of surplus plasma available in the state for manufacturing life-saving medicines and improving access to affordable treatment.

A review meeting of the Medical Education Department was held at Mantralaya under the chairmanship of Minister Mushrif, which was attended by Medical Education and Drugs Department Secretary Dheeraj Kumar, Commissioner Anil Bhandari, and other senior officials.

Manufacturing Medicines for Serious Diseases

During the meeting, discussions were held on the large quantity of excess plasma available in blood banks across Maharashtra. Officials informed that the state has around 450 blood banks, of which 79 are government-run, while the remaining are operated by private and voluntary organisations. It was further informed that while the government sector currently has about 25,000 litres of surplus plasma, the private sector holds more than 3,00,000 litres.

The meeting also deliberated on utilising this surplus plasma for manufacturing medicines used in the treatment of haemophilia, thalassaemia, and other serious diseases. Minister Mushrif directed officials to prepare a comprehensive proposal in this regard and initiate further action.

Broader Departmental Review

Apart from this, the meeting also reviewed several issues related to the Medical Education Department, including improvement in departmental schemes, functioning of committees, preparations for International Yoga Day, progress of ongoing projects in Gondia, availability of manpower in medical colleges and hospitals, plans for inauguration of a dental college and auditorium, and infrastructure development in medical institutions.

The Minister instructed officials to ensure prompt follow-up on all proposals discussed during the meeting with a positive approach. (ANI)

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