Punjab e-Raktkosh web portal launch

The Punjab e-Raktkosh web portal is a digital initiative launched by the Government of Punjab to streamline and modernise the management of blood donation, storage, and distribution across the state. Developed in alignment with the National Health Mission and the Digital India programme, the portal aims to integrate all licensed blood banks under a single digital platform, ensuring transparency, accessibility, and efficiency in blood transfusion services.

Background and Need for the Initiative

Before the introduction of e-Raktkosh, Punjab’s blood management system faced several operational challenges, such as inconsistent data on blood stock levels, delays in inter-bank coordination, and limited awareness among donors and recipients about blood availability. Many blood banks maintained manual records, resulting in duplication, inefficiency, and difficulty in meeting emergency demands.
Recognising these challenges, the Punjab Government adopted the e-Raktkosh system, which was originally conceptualised by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) under the guidance of the National Health Mission (NHM), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. Punjab’s version of this platform was customised and implemented across all state and district blood banks to promote digital governance in healthcare services.
The primary objectives of the initiative were to:

• Establish a real-time monitoring system for blood stock and supply.
• Promote voluntary blood donation through digital registration.
• Facilitate transparent allocation and utilisation of blood units.
• Eliminate shortages, duplication, and wastage of blood.
• Ensure equitable access to safe blood for patients in need.

Launch and Implementation

The e-Raktkosh portal was formally launched by the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Punjab, in coordination with the State Blood Transfusion Council (SBTC). The launch marked a major milestone in the digital transformation of healthcare delivery in the state.
Following its rollout, all government, private, and charitable blood banks in Punjab were directed to register on the portal. The portal was linked to the National Blood Bank Grid, thereby integrating Punjab’s blood banks with the national digital network for transfusion services.
The implementation included:

• Installation of e-Raktkosh software in all district-level and medical college blood banks.
• Training of staff for data entry, donor registration, and reporting.
• Integration of barcoding systems for traceability and safety.
• Establishment of a state-level monitoring cell at the Directorate of Health Services to oversee operations.

Key Features of the e-Raktkosh Portal

1. Unified Database: The system connects all licensed blood banks in Punjab under a single digital interface. It maintains up-to-date records of available blood units across different blood groups and components (whole blood, plasma, platelets, etc.).
2. Real-Time Stock Availability: Donors, hospitals, and patients can check blood availability online in real time, reducing the need for manual coordination.
3. Donor Registration and Appointment: Individuals can register as voluntary blood donors, schedule appointments for donation, and receive reminders for future donations. The system also issues donor certificates and records their donation history.
4. Blood Request and Allocation: Hospitals can place online requests for blood units, and the portal automatically directs them to the nearest bank with the required stock, ensuring efficiency and fairness in allocation.
5. Tracking and Safety: The system includes barcoded labelling of each blood unit to track it from collection to transfusion, thereby ensuring traceability and preventing misuse.
6. Integration with National Database: The portal links with the National Health Mission’s central blood bank network, enabling data sharing and coordination during emergencies or disasters.
7. Transparency and Accountability: The digital record-keeping system minimises human error, eliminates duplication, and helps authorities monitor blood donations, testing, and distribution in real time.
8. Multilingual Accessibility: The interface supports English and Punjabi languages to facilitate easy access for users across the state.

Role of Stakeholders

• Department of Health and Family Welfare: Acts as the nodal agency responsible for monitoring and evaluating implementation.
• State Blood Transfusion Council (SBTC): Ensures compliance with the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and coordinates awareness programmes for voluntary blood donation.
• C-DAC: Provides technical support, software customisation, and maintenance of the digital platform.
• Hospitals and Blood Banks: Ensure timely updating of stock data, proper donor screening, and compliance with safety norms.
• Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs): Collaborate in organising blood donation camps and promoting community participation.

Impact and Benefits

The launch of Punjab’s e-Raktkosh portal has brought significant improvements in the state’s blood management system:

• Increased Accessibility: Citizens can now locate and contact nearby blood banks with available stock instantly.
• Enhanced Efficiency: Automated record-keeping and digital requests have reduced delays in blood procurement.
• Promotion of Voluntary Donation: The portal’s outreach and donor engagement tools have increased participation in blood donation drives.
• Transparency: The system’s real-time updates prevent black-market activities and ensure fair distribution.
• Crisis Response Capability: During medical emergencies or disasters, authorities can quickly coordinate blood availability across districts.

The initiative also strengthens Punjab’s commitment to Digital Health Mission objectives by fostering an integrated and data-driven approach to public health management.

Awareness and Public Engagement

To popularise the e-Raktkosh platform, the government has conducted state-wide awareness campaigns, encouraging citizens to register as donors. Blood donation camps are frequently organised in collaboration with educational institutions, Red Cross Societies, and community groups.
Posters, social media announcements, and digital media campaigns have been used to familiarise the public with the website’s functions, including donor registration, appointment scheduling, and real-time stock search.

Significance

The e-Raktkosh initiative represents a paradigm shift in healthcare service delivery in Punjab. By digitising the entire blood management system, the state has enhanced efficiency, reduced dependency on manual coordination, and improved patient safety.