Kolkata8 minutes agoAuthor: Tirthankar Das
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What began as a routine audit by the West Bengal Health Department has now snowballed into a major investigation into the alleged illegal diversion of blood components from private blood banks, raising serious questions over whether lifesaving blood was being treated as a commercial commodity.
Health Department uncovers alleged blood irregularities
Health Department sources claimed that an internal probe has uncovered alleged large-scale irregularities involving Ashok Blood Bank in Jodhpur Park and Life Care Blood Bank in Entally. Investigators suspect that plasma and packed red blood cells (PRBCs) worth crores of rupees were allegedly transferred to Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand without mandatory reporting to the State Blood Transfusion Council (SBTC).
Crores worth plasma allegedly diverted interstate
According to officials, Ashok Blood Bank allegedly transferred 11,144 units of plasma, valued at nearly ₹1.65 crore, between January and June this year without informing the SBTC. The inquiry also alleges that 3,262 units of PRBCs, estimated to be worth around ₹33 lakh, were sent outside West Bengal during the same period without submitting the required records to the Health Department.
Donation camps under official investigation now
Investigators believe the alleged irregularities may not be limited to the transfer of blood components alone. The probe has reportedly found that several blood donation camps were organised beyond actual medical requirements, particularly in rural areas, with donors allegedly being offered gifts such as table fans in exchange for blood. Officials also claim that medical students were allegedly projected as medical officers during some camps, a charge that is now under scrutiny.
Clinical research practices raise fresh concerns
The investigation has further raised questions over an alleged clinical research facility linked to Ashok Blood Bank. Health Department officials said the management failed to provide satisfactory details about the nature of the research, prompting the department to seek an inquiry by the West Bengal Clinical Establishment Regulatory Commission.
Another private blood bank faces scrutiny
A parallel investigation has also brought Life Care Blood Bank under the scanner. According to Health Department sources, the blood bank allegedly transferred plasma and red blood cells worth more than ₹1 crore to other states while reporting only ₹28,000 worth of plasma sales to authorities.
Officials have reportedly issued a 24-hour deadline for submission of complete records, warning that failure to comply could lead to suspension of blood collection and a recommendation to cancel the licence.
Licence cancellation warning issued by authorities
The probe has also revived allegations that certain private blood banks had previously received regulatory clearances despite objections from the State Blood Transfusion Council. Officials are examining whether there was any undue influence in the approval process.
Reacting to the developments, Health Minister Dr. Sharadwat Mukherje said every private blood bank in the state is now under scrutiny.
“Blood cannot become a business. Every private blood bank has been asked to comply with the rules, and strict action will be taken against any violations,” he said.
