‘Donors got mixer grinders, cash’: blood banks in Bengal under scanner over ‘illegal’ sale to other States
Officials said around 11 blood banks have been barred from organising donation drives until the investigation is over. However, they are still permitted to collect blood from donors at their centres
Six blood banks in West Bengal are currently under investigation for allegedly engaging in the illegal sale of blood to individuals and private blood banks in other states, according to Health Department officials. This multi-crore racket, which violates the National Blood Policy established in 2002, has raised concerns about the integrity of the blood donation system.
Raids conducted across six districts, including Kolkata, Howrah, East Burdwan, West Burdwan, Nadia, and North Dinajpur, uncovered large quantities of plasma being sold to entities in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and other states. As a result, around 11 blood banks have been barred from organizing donation drives until the investigation is complete, though they are still allowed to collect blood from donors at their centers.
Health Minister Sharadwat Mukherjee revealed that donors at a camp in South 24 Parganas were offered gifts such as fans, mixer grinders, clocks, and cash, which is prohibited under the policy.
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