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

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

Patients pay Rs 12k–Rs 15k for jumbo platelets from private suppliers

Staff ReporterUpdated: Monday, June 30, 2025, 10:25 PM IST
article-image
SDP Machine Defunct At AIIMS Bhopal; Patients Pay ₹15k Per Unit For Platelets | FP Photo

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

RECENT STORIES

16-Year-Old Raped By ‘Tantrik’ On Pretext Of Healing In MP’s Shivpuri; Booked Under POCSO

16-Year-Old Raped By ‘Tantrik’ On Pretext Of Healing In MP’s Shivpuri; Booked Under POCSO

Shocking! Strong Winds Drag Refrigerator On Railway Track At Jabalpur Station; Video Goes Viral

Shocking! Strong Winds Drag Refrigerator On Railway Track At Jabalpur Station; Video Goes Viral

Bizarre! BSc Students Given BCom Question Paper In Exam In Gwalior; Over 300 Students Declared Fail

Bizarre! BSc Students Given BCom Question Paper In Exam In Gwalior; Over 300 Students Declared Fail

'Madhya Pradesh Holds Immense Potential To Become A Thriving Hub For Grassroots Innovation,' Says...

'Madhya Pradesh Holds Immense Potential To Become A Thriving Hub For Grassroots Innovation,' Says...

'My Family Has Raised Flag Against Congress For 100 Years': Hemant Khandelwal After Taking BJP...

'My Family Has Raised Flag Against Congress For 100 Years': Hemant Khandelwal After Taking BJP...