FDA Suspends 21 Blood Banks And Issues Show-Cause Notices To 32 In Pune Division

Pune, 27th December 2024: In recent days, Pune has been experiencing a shortage of blood in its blood banks. Amidst this, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken action against blood banks for violating regulations and selling blood to other states. As part of this action, 21 blood banks in the Pune Division have been suspended, and 32 have been issued show-cause notices.

The shortage of blood in the Pune area became evident after Diwali. FDA received complaints that several blood banks were selling blood and its components to other states. Following that, the FDA collected transaction data from all blood banks in the Pune Division, which includes the districts of Pune, Satara, Sangli, Kolhapur, and Solapur. The National Blood Transfusion Council granted FDA permission to investigate these complaints.

A special campaign was launched, and from April to November, 81 blood banks were inspected. Violations were found in 29 blood banks, leading to actions against them, including the permanent cancellation of one license. Additionally, 32 blood banks were issued show-cause notices. A report detailing these actions has been sent to the National Blood Transfusion Council.

Girish Hukare, Joint Commissioner, FDA (Drug), Pune Division, stated, “Action has been taken for rule violations and non-compliance with guidelines governing blood collection and distribution. Blood banks must adhere to the law while collecting blood. Trading in blood is strictly prohibited, and no inducements should be offered to blood donors.”