<span style="color: #222222;">Maharashtra Government has announced that no charges will be levied for procuring blood in government hospitals. Speaking to reporters in Mumbai today, Maharashtra's Health Minister Rajesh Tope said the decision will be effective from 12th December to mark NCP Chief Sharad Pawar's birthday. Stating the 800 rupees is usually charged as processing and other fees for buying one unit of blood, Mr. Tope said, the same will now be available for free for all patients, rich or poor in all public hospitals across the state.<br />'' <br />'' Meanwhile, Mr. Tope and NCP MP Supriya Sule participated in a blood donation drive organised in Mumbai. The minister said he wants to work on the principle of 'practice what you preach'. In view of the acute shortage of blood in Maharashtra, the authorities have been urging citizens to come forward and donate blood voluntarily.<br />'' <br />'' Stating that NCP will be observing a week-long Swabhiman Saptah from 13th of December, Mr. Tope urged all NCP workers to not just organise blood donations camps but also donate blood as it can save numerous lives. Emphasizing that blood cannot be produced in labs and can neither be stored for longer durations, Mr. Tope urged people to make it a practice to donate blood on their birthdays and anniversaries.</span><br />''