Pune: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Pune Division, has taken strict action against blood banks in the region following revelations of regulatory violations during a special inspection drive conducted between April and November this year.
The FDA canceled the license of one blood bank and suspended the licenses of 29 others for non-compliance. It also issued show-cause notices to 32 blood banks, while action against three remains pending. These measures were initiated after evidence emerged that certain blood banks violated rules by transporting blood reserves to other states despite an ongoing blood shortage in Pune.
Special Inspection Drive Uncovers Violations
As part of its drive, the FDA inspected 81 blood banks across Pune, Solapur, Satara, Sangli, and Kolhapur districts. The joint investigation team, comprising officials from the Drug Department, central drug inspectors, and doctors from district general hospitals, uncovered several instances of non-compliance. The violations included improper blood storage, unauthorized transportation, and failure to adhere to legal guidelines.
Data Collection and Joint Investigation
The FDA sought data from all blood banks within the Pune division regarding blood bags and components sent to other states. The compiled information was forwarded to the National Blood Transfusion Council and the Drug Controller in Delhi for a joint inspection. Based on the findings, further action was recommended.
"Blood donation is a sacred act, and blood banks must use the donated blood responsibly without any commercial motives. Strict compliance with legal provisions for storage and transportation is essential. We have taken action against the blood banks found guilty of violations," said Girish Hukre, Joint Commissioner, FDA, Pune Division.
While licenses of one blood bank have been canceled and 29 suspended, the investigation against three others is ongoing. Furthermore, an explanation has been sought from one blood bank based on the joint inspection team's recommendations.