New Delhi, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Monday asked the Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor to ensure adequate availability of blood in the blood banks.

In a letter to J&K L-G G.C. Murmu, the Health Minister wrote, "Due to restrictions, it may not be possible to organise blood donation camps. However, at the same time, it is necessary to ensure sufficient availability of blood, especially for people needing regular blood transfusion such as Thalassemia, Sickle Cell Anemia and Hemophilia etc."

Harsh Vardhan asked Murmu to make use of the "e-Raktkosh portal" for maintaining records of donors as well as providing real-time information on status of current stocks of each blood group.

"The prospective blood donors may be asked to register on the portal. Blood banks in your state may also be directed to update blood availability in the e-Raktkosh portal regularly," Harsha Vardhan said.

He further asked Murmu to make necessary arrangements for sending blood collection and transportation vans or any other hired vehicles to maintain adequate availability of blood in an area.

"States may adopt flexible timings and may also like to extend the hours of fixed and mobile donor sessions. It may be suggested to donors to come in a staggered manner for blood donation so that social distancing norms are maintained," the Health Minister said.

He further asked Murmu to give movement passes and special certificates to the voluntary donors.

"Extra safety measures should be taken at the blood donation centres pertaining to infection prevention and personal protection. Assured availability of iron chelating agents and anti-Hemophilia factors at hospitals, where Thalassaemic and Homophilic patients avail the services, may also be ensured," the letter added.