Blood is meant to circulate

The Indian Red Cross is a voluntary humanitarian organisation having a network of over 700 branches throughout the country, providing relief in times of disasters/emergencies and promotes health and care of the vulnerable people and communities.

It is a leading member of the largest independent humanitarian organization in the world, the International Red Cross & Red Crescent Movement.

The Mission of the Indian Red Cross is to inspire, encourage and initiate at all times all forms of humanitarian activities so that human suffering can be minimised and even prevented and thus contribute to creating more congenial climate for peace. The World Red Cross Day is celebrated every year on May 8.

Apart from various humanitarian services, the Red Cross runs blood banks across its units and the Red Cross blood bank in Mangalore is situated in Athena Hospital, Mangalore.

All the blood banks along with Red Cross and private hospital banks have to follow the Government prescribed price list. As per the Government prescribed costs, Whole human blood would cost Rs 400 for Government hospital and Rs 700 for private hospitals; Packed red cells cost Rs 500 for Government hospitals and Rs 700 for private hospitals; Fresh frozen plasma will cost Rs 400 for government hospitals and Rs 500 for private hospitals; platelet concentrate will cost Rs 400 for government hospitals and Rs 500 for private hospitals; and Cryoprecipitate AHF costs Rs 200 for government hospital and Rs 400 for private hospitals.