Kolkata, 27 August (H.S.): Authorities of National Medical College have warned medical students against participating in blood donation camps in the role of “medical officers.” The warning comes after several students from the college allegedly recently attended a blood donation camp organised at the invitation of a private blood bank, where they performed duties designated for medical officers.

The college authorities have made it clear that such incidents must not be repeated. Students have also been warned that strict disciplinary action could be taken if similar complaints are received in the future.

According to sources, several students of National Medical College had recently responded to a request from a private blood bank and joined a blood donation camp. A medical officer is required at such camps, and the students allegedly performed the role despite still pursuing their medical studies.

On Wednesday, National Medical College principal Susmita Bhattacharya issued a notice cautioning all students. The notice stated that if any student participates in a blood donation camp in the capacity of a medical officer in the future, despite not having completed their medical education and obtained the necessary qualification, strict disciplinary action would be taken against them.

A medical officer must complete medical education and obtain the required degree and qualifications. Only a qualified doctor is authorised to perform the duties of a medical officer at a blood donation camp. Questions were therefore raised over how medical students were allowed to assume the role.

The incident reportedly took place last Tuesday when some National Medical College students responded to an invitation from a blood bank located on CIT Road and worked at a blood donation camp. Following the complaint, the college authorities initiated an inquiry and identified the students who had attended the camp. They were subsequently summoned by the state Health Department at Swasthya Bhavan. Following discussions there, the college principal issued the warning to all students.

The incident comes at a time when the state Health Department and the West Bengal Blood Transfusion Council have recently imposed restrictions on several private blood banks over allegations of irregularities related to blood collection and the organisation of blood donation camps.

The participation of National Medical College students in a blood donation camp in an unauthorised capacity has therefore triggered controversy amid heightened scrutiny of private blood banks and blood collection practices in the state.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey