No Licence, No Transfusion officer at Ludhiana Civil Hospital Blood Bank

Ludhiana: The Ludhiana Civil Hospital’s blood bank has come under scrutiny after it was revealed that it has been operating for the past three years without a valid licence and a designated Blood Transfusion Officer (BTO) — both mandatory under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. The prolonged lapse has raised serious concerns about patient safety and administrative oversight. 

Currently, the blood bank is being run by two pathologists in the absence of a BTO. The lack of a BTO—who plays a vital role in ensuring safe and regulated blood transfusions—is more than just an administrative lapse; it poses a direct threat to public health. Legally, the BTO is responsible for overseeing the collection, testing, storage, and distribution of blood, and their signature is mandatory on all grouping and cross-matching reports.

To make matters worse, the blood bank has been operating without a valid licence for the past three years, casting serious doubts on the safety and legality of its operations. Further adding to the concerns, both mobile blood vans, intended for collecting blood from donation camps, have been lying non-functional, further highlighting the authorities' indifferent attitude.

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