Bengal health dept raids blood banks amid reports of illegal plasma trade across state borders

The Health Department of West Bengal has initiated coordinated raids across multiple private hospitals and blood banks in Kolkata, Nadia, and Durgapur following allegations of large-scale interstate smuggling of donated blood and plasma. Authorities report that blood collected from public donation drives across the state was being illegally sold to private entities and blood banks in neighbouring states, including Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand, generating illegal profits running into crores of rupees.

Investigation details reveal systematic bulk transfers without required statutory approvals from health authorities. Following earlier enforcement actions against Padmapukur Health Point and Ashok Blood Bank in Jodhpur Park, Life Care Blood Bank on CIT Road has now come under scrutiny for allegedly selling over 3,500 units of packed red blood cells to external entities within six months. Raids are actively continuing at eight to ten facility sites, including locations in Beliaghata, Andal, and Nadia.

State Health Minister Sharadwat Mukherjee confirmed that investigative operations are ongoing, with officials meticulously verifying documentation and records at various hospitals and blood centers. The government emphasized that strict penal and regulatory actions will be taken against any organization found guilty of corruption or unauthorized commercial distribution. Representatives from the targeted facilities have so far refrained from releasing official statements regarding the proceedings.