The state’s health sector has been plunged into controversy following serious allegations of unauthorised blood donation camps and the illegal trafficking of blood components to other states. In response, Swasthya Bhavan has imposed sweeping restrictions on 11 blood banks across West Bengal.

According to an official notification issued by the health department, the identified blood banks have been barred from organising any blood donation camps outside their premises until further notice. However, they will be allowed to continue collecting and processing blood within their facilities, provided strict medical protocols are followed and only trained personnel are involved.

Sources in the health department said the action follows widespread allegations of irregularities in blood collection practices and the unauthorised operation of donation camps.

Acting on these complaints, senior officials from the State Blood Transfusion Council conducted surprise inspections across Kolkata and several districts.

During these inspections, officials seized a number of suspicious documents. Preliminary findings have raised serious concerns, suggesting that blood components such as red blood cells and plasma were allegedly being siphoned off and trafficked outside the state for substantial financial gains.

List of blood banks under restriction

The blood banks placed under restriction include Om Blood Centre in Beleghata, Upasam Om Blood Centre in Raiganj, Teresa Om Blood Centre in Purba Bardhaman, HMC Rotary Blood Centre in Howrah, Ashok Laboratory Blood Centre in Jodhpur Park, Life Care Blood Centre in Entally, Kothari Medical Centre Blood Centre in Alipore, Health Point Hospital Blood Centre on Prannath Pandit Street, Raniganj Institute of Medical Sciences in Paschim Bardhaman, Ispat Cooperative Hospital Blood Centre in Sonarpur Kalikapur, and Krishnanagar Institute of Medical Science Blood Centre in Krishnanagar.

Stricter monitoring and compliance measures

Officials emphasised that the ban on outdoor camps is aimed at curbing unauthorised collection drives, which are believed to be at the centre of the alleged malpractice. At the same time, internal operations of these centres will remain under strict scrutiny to ensure compliance with legal and medical standards.

The notification also directs all concerned facilities to report any significant blood transactions to the State Blood Transfusion Council without delay. Authorities have warned that any violation of the new guidelines will invite stringent action.

The developments have triggered political reactions, with opposition parties raising concerns over regulatory lapses and demanding accountability. Meanwhile, the health department has maintained that investigations are ongoing and that further action may be taken based on emerging findings.

Officials said the crackdown is part of a broader effort to restore transparency and integrity in the state’s blood transfusion system.

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