Kozhikode thalassaemia patients still paying for blood‑filter kits after free supply stalls

Thalassemia patients at Government Medical College Hospital in Kozhikode have been denied free leukocyte filter sets for two years, forcing many to buy the devices at about ₹1,200 each. The filter sets, which remove white blood cells from donated blood, are essential to prevent transfusion reactions. The supply stopped in November 2024 when the hospital’s blood bank halted distribution, according to the Blood Patients Protection Council, Kerala. Similar shortages now affect district hospitals in Kannur and Palakkad and the Government Medical College Hospital in Wayanad. Patients can purchase a set from a private firm in Ernakulam, but each set may be used only three times a month and cannot be reused for another patient. Poor families unable to afford the cost receive transfusions without the filter, increasing risk of complications. Kareem Karassery, president of the council, says the Kerala Medical Services Corporation issued tenders for both leukocyte filters and iron‑chelation drugs, yet only filter suppliers submitted bids. He doubts whether the corporation will restart the tender or continue the current bid for filters alone. The Kerala State Human Rights Commission has asked the Director of Health Services for a report, but activists say the response is slow. Karassery urges the health department to resume the tender for filter sets immediately, noting that iron‑chelation drugs are not in short supply except in Thiruvananthapuram. ## Context Leukocyte filters are standard safety equipment in blood transfusion centres across India. Their absence raises the risk of fever, allergic reactions, and other complications, especially for thalassaemia patients who need regular transfusions.