Maharashtra launches Inspection drive for blood banks

Pune: In a move to ensure the safety and quality of blood supply across Maharashtra, the state health department has directed district blood transfusion officers to conduct comprehensive inspections of all blood banks. The inspection reports are expected to be submitted within a month.

This move comes after a high-level meeting chaired by Maharashtra's Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Prakash Abitkar, on February 3, 2025, aimed at improving the quality and safety of blood transfusion services.

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Additionally, the State Blood Transfusion Council (SBTC) has issued a formal directive to district civil surgeons and deans of medical colleges, instructing them to carry out thorough inspections of blood banks in their respective districts.

According to the news reports, Maharashtra is home to a total of 395 blood banks, which include government-run, semi-government, trust-operated, corporate, and private establishments. Pune district has the highest concentration of blood banks, with 57 in the region alone, highlighting the need for vigilant oversight in areas with the highest demand. To guide these inspections, the SBTC has provided a 27-point checklist, covering various aspects of blood bank operations. Currently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducts mandatory surprise inspections of blood banks across Maharashtra once a year.

Speaking to Hindustan Times, Mahendra Kendre, assistant director, SBTC, said, “The health department has instructed that district blood transfusion officers, pathologists (Class-1), or experts in blood transfusion services conduct the inspections and submit reports within a month.”

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