Kolkata: The West Bengal health dept has barred 11 blood banks from collecting blood at donation camps anywhere in the state till further orders. The dept had started an investigation against 11 blood banks accused of severe irregularities, including illegally selling blood collected in West Bengal to other states.“Till the time the investigation process in the matter is completed, these 11 blood banks would be barred from organising blood donation camps anywhere in the state,” said an official.The restrictions will remain in force until the investigation is completed. The list includes blood centres attached to several hospitals and laboratories in Kolkata and other districts.The blood banks facing the restrictions are 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.A notification on this count was also issued by the state health dept. The bar on organising blood donation camps is applicable from Aug 1.The 11 blood banks have also been directed to seek prior permission from the health dept before sending large quantities of blood to any destination in the state. However, they will be allowed to accept blood donated voluntarily by individuals who visit the blood banks directly.A few days ago, officials from the state health dept raided several places in Kolkata and the districts in connection with the investigation into irregularities in organising blood donation camps.According to officials, some of these blood bank authorities did not even seek the necessary permission from the state health dept to organise blood donation camps.Apart from that, there were allegations that red blood cells and plasma were sent to other states at premium prices.
