Kolkata, 05 Aug (H.S.) : The West Bengal government has cancelled the licence of private blood bank Health Point over allegations of illegally selling blood and plasma collected from donors for huge sums of money. The state Health Department initiated the action after the allegations came to light.

According to sources, the organisation conducted a blood donation camp in Baruipur on January 4, where around 600 people donated blood. However, donor cards were issued to only 200 donors, while the remaining 400 were allegedly denied the cards. It is alleged that the blood collected from those 400 donors was sold outside without being properly recorded, depriving the donors of the benefit of receiving blood later by producing their donor cards.

Following the allegations of blood trafficking, the state Health Minister announced strict action against the institution. The government subsequently cancelled the licence of Health Point with immediate effect. It is being claimed that this is the first time the state government has revoked the licence of a private blood bank.

The blood bank also faces allegations of collecting excess blood from some donors by luring them with gifts during donation camps. The additional blood, reportedly around 500 ml per donor, was allegedly sold along with plasma through illegal channels. According to the allegations, the institution was involved in an organised racket of illegally trading blood and plasma worth crores of rupees.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh