The Telangana Drugs Control Administration (DCA) on Monday terminated the licenses of two blood banks for the alleged illegal sale of human plasma in Hyderabad.
The two blood banks, whose licenses were terminated on Monday, were named Srikara Hospital Blood Centre and New Life Educational Society Blood Centre.
As per the officials, the licenses of the two blood centers were canceled in connection with the illegal plasma collection racket busted at Moosapet on February 2.
After getting reliable information, officials from the DCA conducted a raid on February 2 at Haemo Service Laboratories, which is located in a residential building in Moosapet.
While performing the raid, a substantial stock of human plasma bags was discovered stored in freezers.
According to the DCA, R. Raghavendra Naik was found to be operating Haemo Service Laboratories in an unauthorized way within the apartment. He was illegally collecting plasma from various blood banks and hoarding it for unauthorized sale.
A further probe revealed that Srikara Hospital Blood Bank and New Life Educational Society Blood Centre had unlawfully sold plasma to R. Raghavendra Naik of Haemo Service Laboratories, violating established norms.
Afterward, DCA officers raided the two blood banks and ensured the illegal sale of plasma to Haemo Service Laboratories upon verification.
The Telangana DCA issued show-cause notices to the two blood banks for their involvement in the illegal sale of plasma and other violations reported by DCA officers regarding non-compliance with blood bank norms.
DCA Director General Kamalasan Reddy stated that due to the potential adverse effects on public health caused by the illegal sale of plasma by blood banks, the licenses of the two blood banks have been revoked with immediate effect in the interest of public safety.
At blood banks, plasma is separated from whole blood collected from donors through a process known as plasmapheresis. After separation, it must be frozen within 6 hours to preserve its integrity. Plasma must be stored in freezers at temperatures below -30°C to maintain its stability and avoid degradation. Human plasma plays an important role in various medical treatments and therapies.
Plasma transfusions are crucial in treating patients with clotting disorders, such as hemophilia, and those who have undergone massive blood loss or trauma. Plasma transfusions are also used in the treatment of immunodeficiency disorders and autoimmune diseases. Plasma is also administered to patients in critical conditions, including severe burns, to stabilize their condition and prevent complications.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Komal Bhoi/MSM)