A European integration government decree on the introduction of the information and communication complex of the blood system was adopted

The government adopted Decree No. 143 of 17.02.2023 “On the creation of an information and communication complex of the blood system”. The decree creates legal conditions for the implementation of a coordinated information policy and digital solutions in the field of blood donation in accordance with European integration requirements.

This document is important for the functioning of the blood system because it defines the issues of ensuring accounting and automation of processes in the field of blood donation and blood components, data processing mechanisms and interaction of subjects, the use of reliable information about blood needs for planning and monitoring stocks at the national and regional levels. 

It is envisaged that two electronic systems will be used for these processes — the eKrov (eBlood) system, which should be created for subjects in the field of blood donation and blood components to perform their functions and powers, and the electronic healthcare system.

The existing electronic healthcare system (EHCS) will be modified accordingly to ensure that it performs its functions related to blood donation. EHCS in the information space of the blood system will provide:

• maintaining primary medical records regarding the results of medical examination of donors, admission to donations, blood collection, and transfusion;
• accounting of recipients’ blood samples;
• recording of serious adverse reactions or serious adverse cases related to donation, etc.

Also, until 1 June 2023 the Ministry of Health should submit to the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine the developed procedure for the functioning of the eKrov system.

The introduction of the information and communication complex of the blood system with the use of advanced international practices will provide an opportunity for clear and systematic management of blood reserves, promote transparency and controllability of interaction processes between subjects involved in the functioning of the blood system.

This government decree was developed within the framework of European integration obligations and in compliance with the law of Ukraine “On the safety and quality of donated blood and blood components”. 

It should be recalled that the national campaign “Your blood can fight” continues: every capable Ukrainian over the age of 18 can be a blood donor. Among the mandatory requirements: body weight not less than 50 kg and the absence of contraindications to donation (you can read more about contraindications at the link https://utcc.gov.ua/blooddonor/.

To become a donor, you can:

• Contact a blood center (almost every city has blood centers or other medical institutions where you can donate blood).
• Make an appointment by phone to the donor database in the blood centers of your city. All medical institutions that supply blood have their own database of donors and, if necessary, contact them (for a list of blood centers, follow the link https://cutt.ly/TCWc6NV).
• Register online in the donor register. Anyone who wants to donate blood can register on the relevant web services, enter all the necessary information there and wait for a message from the coordinators. You can enter your data on the resource https://www.donor.ua/.