SDP Machine Defunct At AIIMS Bhopal; Patients Pay ₹15k Per Unit For Platelets

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): The Single Donor Platelet (SDP) blood component separator machine at AIIMS Bhopal has been lying non-functional for the past 8–10 days, causing a severe crisis for patients in urgent need of blood components, especially platelets.

According to staff at the AIIMS blood bank, the hospital has only one SDP machine, and its breakdown has forced patients’ families to turn to the private market, where "jumbo-size" platelets now cost Rs 12,000 to Rs15,000 per unit. Smaller platelet units range between Rs2,000 and Rs3,000.

AIIMS administration appears to be dodging responsibility. When approached, AIIMS Director Dr Ajai Singh sought clarification from the Medical Superintendent, who in turn distanced himself from the issue.

Dr Shashank Puar, Medical Superintendent, said: “It is totally a different affair of the blood bank. We have nothing to do with the blood bank unit.”

The SDP machine is crucial for generating larger volume platelet units, in high demand for treating patients with dengue, cancer, thalassemia, HIV and burns. On average, 30–40 patients visit AIIMS blood bank daily seeking blood components like RBCs, platelets, plasma and WBCs.

One attendant, Sandeep Shivhare, lost a relative due to delayed platelet availability. “80% of the blood components are required in the oncology department. My relative died of dengue because jumbo platelets were not available on time,” he said.

Blood bank crisis

• SDP machine down for over a week at AIIMS Bhopal

• Patients pay Rs12k–Rs 15k for jumbo platelets from private suppliers

• 30–40 patients need blood components daily

• AIIMS officials pass the buck, no fix in sight