Ranchi: Patients suffering from thalassemia, sickle cell anaemia and severe anaemia in Jharkhand can now receive free blood transfusions and related treatment at empanelled private hospitals under the Ayushman Bharat and Abua Health Card schemes.The health department has introduced treatment packages for private hospitals, with reimbursement assured for services provided to eligible beneficiaries. The system has been implemented across the state and will operate alongside existing facilities at govt hospitals.Health minister Irfan Ansari said the decision was aimed at improving access to care for patients who require regular blood transfusions. “The health department has taken an important decision for thalassemia and sickle cell patients. Patients should not face difficulties in accessing tests and treatment. Screening, necessary investigations and treatment facilities will be strengthened,” Ansari said.He said patients with thalassemia and sickle cell anaemia often require transfusions at regular intervals and that the govt wanted to make these services available closer to their homes.Under the notified packages, private hospitals will receive Rs 2,100 for routine ward treatment, Rs 3,300 for high-dependency unit care, Rs 8,500 for non-ventilator ICU care and Rs 9,000 for ventilator-supported ICU care in cases of sickle cell anaemia and severe anaemia.For thalassemia patients, separate packages ranging from Rs 2,300 to Rs 3,200 have been approved. These cover blood transfusions, diagnostic tests and, in some cases, iron-chelation medicines.The state has also approved treatment packages for children with severe anaemia, along with financial assistance of up to Rs 5 lakh for aplastic anaemia treatment.Additional chief secretary (health), Ajay Kumar Singh, said the decision would help patients access treatment at empanelled hospitals in their districts or nearby areas. “Patients who require blood transfusions at regular intervals will benefit from improved access to treatment closer to their homes,” Singh said.
