FDA Inspects Byculla's JJ Mahanagar Blood Bank, Orders Inquiry Into Diverted Blood Bags

The state Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has conducted an inspection of the state-run JJ Mahanagar Blood Bank, located within the JJ Hospital complex in Byculla, Mumbai, and ordered an official inquiry. The regulatory action was initiated following a series of complaints regarding the operations of the facility.

During the inspection, the blood bank was closed to the public. A senior FDA official confirmed that inspection teams were actively scrutinising the records and documents at the facility. The official stated that their findings would be announced on Thursday.

The official inquiry is focusing on several serious allegations against the blood bank. Among the chief complaints is the charge that blood bags collected during voluntary blood donation drives were being diverted and supplied at subsidised rates to private blood banks.

Dr. Suhas Mohnalkar, the director of the State Blood Transfusion Council (SBTC), stated that he was awaiting the final report from the FDA. Dr. Mohnalkar explained that the FDA holds the authority to take action against blood banks. He also confirmed that a separate inquiry into the complaints has already been initiated by the council.

The JJ Mahanagar Blood Bank was established in 2009 with the primary objective of improving access to blood and blood products for economically weaker patients. However, its functioning has faced growing concerns in recent years.

Commenting on the situation, a former SBTC official, who requested anonymity, expressed deep concern over the allegations. The former official noted that patients admitted to JJ Hospital itself often face difficulties accessing blood from the bank, making the alleged diversion of blood bags to private facilities particularly shocking.

The ongoing inquiry aims to thoroughly examine these allegations and determine whether the blood bank has committed any violations of established blood banking regulations.