Undergoing trial tests, license needed for operation
Morung Express News
Kohima | February 23
Bringing much relief to doctors and patients alike, a blood component separator which had been lying unused and uninstalled in Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK) has been rectified and has gone for trial tests as well.
As reported by The Morung Express on February 18, doctors have asserted that blood component separator is a ‘must have’ machine while dealing with critical care patients, particularly those suffering from acute leukaemia.
Confirming this information, Principal Director, Health and Family Welfare, Dr Kevichusa Medikhru said technicians have arrived as scheduled and repaired the machine on February 22, which ran for a trial test for two days.
Need licence for operation
Although the machine is repaired and functional, it is learnt that licence is required to fully and officially operationalise the blood component separator.
On being enquired on the status of the machine, a doctor from NHAK said the machine has been repaired, running and is functional, however added that it takes time to get the components.
“The machine is running but then to get the components it takes time. We need to run a lot. We will run the components and see if platelet comes in enough then only we can say it’s fully functional” the doctor said.
When enquired on how soon patients in need can avail the service of the blood component separator, he said, “We cannot just run the blood component. We need to have a licence. We need to first apply for licence and it is a long process.”
The doctor further went on to add that the licence can be obtained only after the inspection and approval of the inspection team from the Center. It was also informed that obtaining licence is a long procedure and that it may take even months to start providing it to the patients.
It may be mentioned that medical doctors have expressed their concerns on the current practice of using ‘whole blood’ for patients who required specific requirement in the absence of blood component separator. On the other hand, the usage of whole blood for those patients has its own complications which may cause fluid and solute overload as explained by doctors.
