Kolkata, 28 July (H.S.): The West Bengal Health Department on Tuesday launched a statewide inspection drive following allegations of the illegal sale and interstate trafficking of donated blood and plasma. Raids were carried out at several private hospitals and blood banks in Kolkata, Nadia, Durgapur, and other parts of the state.

According to allegations, donated blood and plasma were being supplied to other states in exchange for huge sums of money. It has also been alleged that units collected through blood donation camps in West Bengal were diverted outside the state, raising concerns over the availability of blood for local patients.

State Health Minister Sharadwat Mukhopadhyay confirmed the ongoing inspections, stating that officials are thoroughly examining records and documents at hospitals and blood banks. He said strict action would be taken if any irregularities or violations are detected during the investigation.

The latest action comes after earlier allegations against two blood banks in Kolkata. Fresh accusations have now surfaced against another private blood bank on CIT Road. It is alleged that at least 3,500 units of red blood cells were supplied to blood banks in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and other states over the past six months.

The investigation is not limited to Kolkata. Authorities are also probing allegations that blood and plasma were illegally sold from private hospitals and blood banks in several districts. Inspection teams have been deployed to facilities in Beleghata, Andal, Nadia and other locations. Preliminary reports indicate that eight to ten hospitals and blood banks are currently under scrutiny.

Officials from the inspected institutions have not issued any statements so far. Health Department officials involved in the operation have also declined to comment, stating that the investigation is still underway.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey