11 blood banks in West Bengal barred from organising camps amid probe

Kolkata: Amid allegations of serious irregularities, the West Bengal Health Department has barred 11 blood banks across the state from organising blood donation camps until further orders. The move comes as authorities investigate allegations of the illegal sale and transfer of blood collected in West Bengal.

According to the news reports, an official said that the 11 blood banks would be barred from organising blood donation camps anywhere in the state until the investigation was completed.

Also Read:West Bengal: 6 private blood banks under scanner over alleged inter-state trafficking

The restriction, which came into effect from August 1, will remain in place until the completion of the investigation. A notification regarding the order has already been issued by the state health department.

The list includes centres attached to hospitals and laboratories in Kolkata and several districts.

The blood banks facing the restrictions are Ashok Laboratory Blood Centre in Jodhpur Park, Kothari Medical Blood Centre in Alipore, Health Point Hospital Blood Centre in Padmapukur, Life Care Blood Centre in Entally, Om Blood Centre in Beleghata, Ispat Cooperative Hospital Blood Centre in Sonarpur, HMC Rotary Blood Centre in Howrah, Institute of Medical Sciences Blood Centre in Krishnanagar, Upasham Om Blood Centre in Raiganj, Teresa Om Blood Centre in East Burdwan and Raniganj Institute of Medical Sciences Blood Centre, reports TOI.

Besides being prohibited from conducting donation camps, the 11 blood banks have been instructed to obtain prior approval from the health department before sending large quantities of blood to any destination within the state. However, they will continue to be permitted to accept voluntary donations from individuals who directly visit the blood banks.

The action follows raids conducted by health department officials at several locations in Kolkata and other districts as part of the ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities in the organisation of blood donation camps.

Medical Dialogues had previously reported that the West Bengal Health Department has conducted raids at six private blood banks across the state following complaints of alleged illegal inter-state blood trafficking and violations of blood donation norms.

Officials said some blood bank authorities allegedly organised donation camps without obtaining mandatory approval from the health department. There were also allegations that red blood cells and plasma collected through donation drives were being sent to other states and sold at higher prices.

Also Read:2 detained for allegedly demanding Rs 5,500 for blood at Silchar Medical College