State launches inspections following complaints of illegal inter-state blood transfers and violations of blood donation norms at private blood banks.
The West Bengal Health Department has carried out raids at six private blood banks across the state following allegations of illegal inter-state blood trafficking and violations of blood donation regulations.
Inspection teams visited private blood banks located in Kolkata, Howrah, Nadia, Uttar Dinajpur, Purba Bardhaman and Paschim Bardhaman to examine complaints related to the alleged transfer of blood units to neighbouring states for monetary gain and the conduct of blood donation camps without qualified personnel. Officials said the inspection reports would be reviewed before any further action is taken.
According to health department officials, complaints suggested that certain private blood banks were transferring blood and blood components in bulk to neighbouring states in exchange for money. Authorities reiterated that while blood banks are permitted to recover only the government-approved processing charges, the sale of blood or blood components is prohibited under existing regulations.
“We have received complaints that some private blood banks were transferring blood units in bulk to neighbouring states for money. Selling blood or its components is illegal. Blood banks can only charge the government-fixed processing fee,” a blood safety official at Swasthya Bhawan said.
Officials also received complaints that some blood donation camps were being organised without the presence of qualified and registered personnel, raising concerns over compliance with blood safety protocols and regulatory standards.
The latest inspections are part of the state’s ongoing drive to curb alleged irregularities in blood banking services. Earlier, the Health Department had seized documents from three private blood banks in Kolkata during a similar investigation into suspected violations.
West Bengal currently has 89 state-run blood centres, 17 Central government-run blood centres and 89 private blood centres. Officials said effective regulatory oversight remains essential to ensure the safe collection, storage and distribution of blood across the state.
