Two Hyderabad Blood Banks Lose Licenses Over Unauthorised Plasma Sales

According to the officials, the licenses of two blood banks were cancelled after an illegal plasma collection racket was busted at Moosapet on February 2.

The investigation revealed that two blood centres unlawfully sold plasma to R. Raghavendra Naik of Haemo Service Laboratories (Image for representation)

The Drugs Control Administration (DCA) of Telangana on Monday cancelled the licenses of two blood banks for the alleged illegal sale of human plasma in Hyderabad. The licenses of Srikara Hospital Blood Centre and New Life Educational Society Blood Centre were cancelled on Monday. 

According to the officials, the licenses of the two blood centres were cancelled in connection with the illegal plasma collection racket busted at Moosapet on February 2.

Following credible information, officials from the Drug Control Administration conducted a raid at Haemo Service Laboratories located in a residential building in Moosapet on February 2.

During 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 unlawfully within the apartment, where he was illegally collecting plasma from various blood banks and hoarding it for unauthorized sale.

Further investigation 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, according to the report on IANS.

Subsequently, DCA officers raided the two blood banks and confirmed the illegal sale of plasma to Haemo Service Laboratories upon verification.

Plasma, separated from whole blood through plasmapheresis, must be frozen within six hours of collection to maintain its integrity. It should be stored in freezers at temperatures below minus 30 degrees Celsius to prevent degradation.

DCA Telangana 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.

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effects on public health caused by the illegal sale of plasma by blood banks, the licenses of the two blood banks have been revoked with immediate effect in the interest of public safety, stated DCA Director General Kamalasan Reddy.