Uttar Pradesh: 10 Persons Arrested For Selling 'Fake' Platelets In Prayagraj

A private hospital in Prayagraj was sealed on Thursday for allegedly transfusing fruit juice instead of blood platelets to a dengue patient who later died, police said.

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New Delhi: Ten members of a gang allegedly selling fake platelets were arrested in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj on Friday, news agency PTI reported.

According to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shailesh Kumar Pandey, the gang used to collect plasma from different blood banks, put it in pouches and sell it as platelet. The arrests were made following a tip-off, the SSP said, adding some fake platelet pouches were seized from the possession of the accused.

The SSP further said that 12 persons were arrested a few days back for allegedly supplying blood in an illegal manner.

Asked about a case related to sealing of a private hospital on Thursday for allegedly transfusing fruit juice instead of blood platelets to a dengue patient who later died, the SSP, as quoted by PTI said, "During the course of interrogation, it has not been confirmed whether it was a fruit juice in the pouch or something else." "These people sell plasma as platelets. A sample is being sent to a laboratory and a correct picture will emerge only after an examination."

Notably, a private hospital in Prayagraj was sealed on Thursday for allegedly transfusing fruit juice instead of blood platelets to a dengue patient who later died, police said.

After a video of the alleged incident went viral, the district administration swung into action and on the direction of Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak sealed the private hospital.

The patient, Pradeep Pandey, was shifted to another hospital where he died after his condition deteriorated, officials said.

However, police said that no FIR has been registered at the local police station in connection with the case.

Meanwhile, the owner of the private hospital claimed that the platelets were brought from a different medical facility and the patient developed a reaction after three units were transfused to him.