In a first for Manipur, the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal, has introduced a Biometric-Based Blood Donor Management System at its Department of Blood Transfusion Medicine, marking a significant step towards safer and more transparent blood donation practices.

The system was formally inaugurated by RIMS Director Prof. G. Sunil Kumar Sharma, in the presence of Prof. N. Sanjib Singh, Medical Superintendent of RIMS Hospital, and Prof. Pratima Khoyumthem, Head of the Department of Transfusion Medicine.

Developed by the RIMS IT Cell, the digital platform captures biometric data of donors, enabling the system to verify whether the mandatory 90-day gap between donations has been observed. This key feature is expected to help curb illegal and professional donations, which often disregard health safety norms for monetary gain.

In addition, the system incorporates medical screening for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV, further ensuring the safety of the blood supply and promoting ethical collection practices. The centralized database allows for effective tracking of donors, minimizing duplicate or fraudulent entries and discouraging coercive or involuntary donations.

Welcoming the initiative, Mr. Pradip Moirangthem, President of the Federation of Indian Blood Donors Organization (FIBDO), Manipur, hailed it as a major milestone. He urged other healthcare institutions, including JNIMS and Babina Hospital, to adopt similar systems for a broader state-level impact.

With this pioneering move, RIMS has set a new benchmark in blood donor management, enhancing safety, traceability, and accountability across the donation ecosystem.