Ludhiana: The Punjab State Human Rights Commission (PSHRC) has intervened following a complaint alleging irregularities at the Ludhiana Civil Hospital blood bank. The Commission has directed the civil surgeon to submit a detailed report on the matter.
Allegations of Operating Without License
The complaint claimed that the blood bank has been operating without a valid license for the past three years and lacks a designated Blood Transfusion Officer (BTO), both mandatory under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. These lapses have raised serious concerns regarding patient safety and administrative oversight.
Activist Raises Safety Concerns
Local activist Arvind Sharma, who filed the complaint, told Hindustan Times, “Without a blood transfusion officer, who is the competent authority to ensure that all safety protocols are adhered to, the blood bank is jeopardising the safety of people.”
PSHRC Directs Civil Surgeon
Taking cognizance of the complaint, the PSHRC instructed the Ludhiana Civil Surgeon to submit a status report one week before the next hearing, scheduled for December 17.
Regulatory Lapses Confirmed
A senior doctor previously associated with the hospital revealed that the license had not been renewed for several years due to the blood bank failing to meet regulatory standards. This prolonged lapse has intensified concerns about the facility’s compliance and safety.
Operational Discrepancies Highlighted
Sharma’s complaint also pointed out operational irregularities, including the fact that one of the two mobile vans used for blood donation camps has not been formally registered. He alleged that the Civil Surgeon was aware of these issues but had not taken corrective measures.
Hospital Response
Civil Surgeon Dr. Ramandeep Kaur stated, “All our compliance is now fine. We have applied for the license. It has to come from Delhi. We are waiting for it.” Regarding the appointment of a BTO, she added that the hospital’s pathologists are qualified to serve in that role.
Next Steps
The PSHRC will review the submitted report at the December hearing to determine whether further action is required. The developments have renewed focus on regulatory compliance and patient safety at the hospital’s blood bank.
