Dr Choudhury’s visit coincided with the signing of a memorandum of understanding between AATM and NRL, where we have agreed to utilise our respective strengths and resources to pursue the following mutual interests:

• Promotion of blood safety, quality and availability;
• Promotion of External Quality Assessment Schemes (EQAS) to enhance quality of testing and facilitate blood bank accreditation and/ or certification;
• Promotion of safe blood collection and manufacturing practices;
• Support development of knowledge and skills of professionals working in the blood transfusion field; and
• Research and development in blood transfusion safety.

This exciting development is expected to facilitate AATM and NRL, in collaboration with other key blood transfusion organisations such as ISBT, AABB, AFSBT, to initiate activities designed to promote quality practices in blood transfusion in the member countries.

AATM is a manifestation of the determination of leading specialists in Transfusion Medicine from Asian countries to work together towards finding solutions for their common problems in the spirit of friendship, trust and understanding and to create an order based on mutual respect, equality and shared benefits. The primary objective of the Association is to accelerate the scientific progress and common standard in Blood Transfusion Services (BTS) in member states in the South Asian region.

More information: AATM (aatmweb.org)