Health Department imposes restrictions as investigation continues into alleged illegal sale, inter-state transfer of blood and violations of donation norms
The West Bengal Health Department has barred 11 blood banks across the state from organising blood donation camps until further orders following allegations of serious irregularities, including the illegal sale and transfer of blood collected in the state. The restriction is part of an ongoing investigation into alleged violations of blood donation norms and suspected blood trafficking.
According to officials, the ban came into effect from August 1 and will remain in force until the investigation is completed. The Health Department has already issued a formal notification directing the concerned blood banks to suspend all blood donation camps during the investigation.
The affected blood banks include 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.
Besides prohibiting these centres from organising blood donation camps, the Health Department has directed them to obtain prior approval before sending large quantities of blood to any destination within West Bengal. However, the blood banks will continue to be allowed to accept voluntary blood donations from individuals visiting their premises directly.
The latest action follows raids conducted by Health Department officials at multiple blood banks in Kolkata and several districts as part of an investigation into alleged irregularities in blood collection and distribution. Authorities are examining complaints that mandatory approvals were not obtained before organising blood donation camps.
Officials are also investigating allegations that red blood cells and plasma collected through donation drives were transferred to neighbouring states and sold at higher prices, in violation of existing regulations. Earlier, the Health Department had conducted inspections at six private blood banks following complaints of alleged illegal inter-state blood trafficking and breaches of blood donation guidelines.
The Health Department has stated that further action against the concerned blood banks will be decided after the investigation reports are reviewed and the inquiry is completed.
