Kolkata, Aug 7 — A single-judge bench of the Calcutta High Court on Friday sought reports from the West Bengal Health Department on the progress of its ongoing probe against 11 private blood banks accused of severe irregularities, including illegally selling blood and plasma collected in West Bengal to other states.
Earlier this month, the Health Department announced a ban on these 11 private banks from conducting blood donation camps anywhere in the state until further orders.
One of these 11 private banks approached the Calcutta High Court’s single-judge bench of Justice Krshna Rao challenging the ban. The matter came up for hearing at Justice Rao’s bench on Friday in the second half.
At the end of the hearing, the judge sought the Health Department's report on the progress of the investigation.
Justice Rao asked the Health Department to submit the progress report to his bench by August 14. The next date of hearing in the matter has been fixed for August 19.
As per the notification banning these 11 private blood banks from conducting blood donation camps anywhere in the state until the investigation by the State Blood Transfusion Board is completed, it was clarified that the ban will not apply to the collection of blood samples.
In addition, the Health Department has asked the State Blood Transfusion Board to remain alert to any major blood transaction anywhere in the state.
A few days ago, officials from the Health Department conducted search operations in connection with the investigation into irregularities in organising blood donation camps. They raided several places in Kolkata and the districts and monitored the situation there.
Several important documents were also seized. In view of that, a ban has been imposed on these 11 blood banks from organising blood donation camps until further orders.
According to sources, some of these blood bank authorities did not even seek the necessary permission from the Health Department to organise blood donation camps.
There were also irregularities in blood collections. There were also allegations that red blood cells and plasma were sent to other states at premium prices. The officials concerned are investigating these allegations. Until the investigation is completed, no new camps can be organised.