Blood banks accused of selling excess plasma at inflated rates; state aims to tighten monitoring and prevent wastage
The State Blood Transfusion Council (SBTC) has initiated strict measures to prevent the misuse of donated blood and curb alleged profiteering by blood banks in Maharashtra. The council has now prepared a detailed 50-point inspection checklist to monitor blood banks across the state and ensure compliance with existing regulations.
Speaking on Tuesday, Dr. Suhas Mohnalkar, Director of the State Blood Transfusion Council, said that certain blood banks were allegedly earning huge profits by selling excess plasma to fractionators at rates as high as ₹7,000 per litre.
However, under existing government norms, blood banks are permitted to charge only ₹1,600 per litre for plasma sales.
SBTC Holds Review Meeting With Blood Transfusion Officers
The issue was discussed during a review meeting attended by more than 200 blood transfusion officers from across Maharashtra. During the meeting, Dr. Mohnalkar emphasized the need for stronger policy measures to regulate blood bank operations and eliminate irregularities in the system.
“We are introducing a policy to prevent some of these problems,” he said while addressing the officials.
As part of the initiative, the SBTC has drafted a comprehensive 50-point inspection checklist that will be used to assess blood banks and monitor operational practices.
Concern Over ‘Over-Collection’ Despite Blood Shortages
The SBTC also raised concerns regarding the problem of “over-collection” of blood, even as the state continues to face periodic shortages.
According to officials, around 3.9% of the 3.9 lakh blood units collected in Maharashtra last year went to waste. Authorities believe that excessive collection without proper demand assessment contributed significantly to the wastage.
Experts pointed out that once a person donates blood, they cannot donate again for the next three to four months. Therefore, unnecessary over-collection can reduce the availability of regular donors during emergencies and genuine shortages.
Focus on Transparency and Patient Safety
The latest move comes amid growing scrutiny of blood bank operations across the country. Earlier this year, the Union Health Ministry flagged major deficiencies in the functioning of blood banks in Rajasthan.
Inspections conducted by the Centre reportedly found serious lapses, including poor maintenance of records, inadequate ELISA testing procedures, and failure to report HIV-positive cases to the State AIDS Control Society.
In a letter dated January 15, Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava wrote to Rajasthan Principal Secretary (Health) Gayatri Rathore stressing that blood transfusion services are a critical pillar of patient care.
The letter highlighted the need for strict regulatory compliance, adherence to quality standards, and improved operational practices to ensure safe and quality-assured blood transfusion services across the country.
Maharashtra Government Strengthens Oversight
With the introduction of the new inspection framework, Maharashtra authorities are aiming to increase transparency, prevent misuse of donated blood products, reduce wastage, and ensure that blood banks operate strictly within prescribed guidelines.
Health officials believe the new monitoring mechanism will help strengthen public trust in blood transfusion services while improving patient safety standards across the state.
