Workshop on Health Information Systems & Distribution of IT Hardware

The National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) successfully conducted the Workshop on Health Information Systems & Distribution of IT Hardware on March 07, 2025, at the National Blood Centre, Narahenpita. The event saw the participation of over 200 healthcare professionals, including Consultant Transfusion Physicians (CTPs), Medical Officers In Charge (MOICs), and Nursing Officers In Charge (NOICs) from blood banks across the country.

Key Highlights of the Workshop

✅ Comprehensive Review of Information Systems
The workshop began with a detailed review of NBTS information systems, including BBMS, Haemovigilance, Statistics, Swastha, and Praana (SLSCDR). Evaluated system performance at the cluster and blood bank levels, identifying key implementation challenges such as:

  • Lack of IT hardware
  • Connectivity issues
  • Shortage of trained staff
  • Need for further training

Additionally, the best-performing Blood Banks were recognized and appreciated for their outstanding contributions, with discussions on the key factors driving their success.

✅ NBTS Future Plans & Vision
The Director of NBTS provided a strategic overview, summarizing the objectives of the workshop and outlining NBTS’s current and future initiatives. Special emphasis was given to the goal of upgrading NBTS to one of the leading Transfusion Services in the region as a WHO Collaborating Centre.

✅ Training on BBMS New Features & SLSCDR Data Entry
A teaching session on the new features of the Blood Bank Management System (BBMS) and Stem Cell Donor Registry (SLSCDR) data entry was conducted. Participants actively engaged in Q&A sessions, addressing queries and gaining hands-on experience with system enhancements.

✅ Distribution of IT Hardware to Blood Banks
To support the implementation of health information systems, essential IT hardware was distributed among blood banks under NBTS, including:

  • Laptops
  • Desktops
  • Barcode readers
  • Printers

This initiative aims to enhance digital record-keeping, streamline workflows, and improve service efficiency across all blood banks.

The NBTS extends its gratitude to all participants for their active involvement in making this event a success. With continuous improvements in IT infrastructure and system capabilities, NBTS is committed to ensuring high-quality blood transfusion services nationwide.