State launches surprise inspections at blood banks after FDA crackdown

The State Blood Transfusion Council (SBTC) carried out surprise inspections between July 17 and 19 in Pune, Solapur, Nashik, Mumbai city and the Mumbai suburbs.

The drive follows a June 27 directive after FDA inspections exposed serious lapses at several government and private blood centres.

Three-member teams comprising two medical officers and a finance department official are auditing blood centres for compliance with the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

The inspections cover blood collection, utilisation, plasma supply, e-RaktKosh portal updates, stock audits, and grievance handling.

Any blood centre found violating norms will face strict administrative action, and reports will be submitted to the SBTC and FDA.