FDA Suspends Pune Metro Blood Bank Licence; 10 Blood Centres Face Action
Pune, 15th July 2026: The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the licence of the Metro Blood Bank at Aundh District Hospital after an inspection revealed multiple violations of blood-banking norms. The action is part of a statewide drive against blood centres found violating safety and quality regulations.
Pune district recorded the highest number of regulatory actions in the state during the April-June 2026 inspection drive, with licences of 10 blood centres and blood storage units suspended. Across Maharashtra, the FDA suspended the licences of 34 blood centres and storage facilities, while four licences were permanently cancelled after inspections found serious non-compliance.
According to the FDA, inspectors found several deficiencies at Metro Blood Bank, including lapses in blood component processing, failure to conduct mandatory sterility testing, inadequate technical supervision, and poor record-keeping. Officials said such violations directly affect the safety and quality of blood and blood components supplied to patients.
FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said blood is a life-saving resource and cannot be handled casually. He said all blood banks are expected to strictly adhere to the standards prescribed under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and Rules, adding that institutions failing to comply with these regulations will face stringent action.
The inspections were carried out jointly by the FDA and the Maharashtra State Blood Transfusion Council (MSBTC) as part of a statewide quality audit of government and private blood centres. The drive aims to ensure that blood banks maintain proper infrastructure, qualified technical staff, testing procedures, documentation and storage practices.
Officials said inspections will continue across Maharashtra, and blood centres found violating prescribed norms will face suspension or license cancellation, depending on the severity of the deficiencies. The FDA has also directed blood banks to immediately rectify shortcomings to ensure a safe and reliable blood supply for patients.
