22 blood banks to face action for overpricing

Blood banks cannot be shut down, but we can take strict action. FDA OFFICIAL

MUMBAI: As many as one-third of Mumbai’s blood banks are set to face action by the State Blood Transfusion Council (SBTC) for overcharging patients and conducting unnecessary tests on blood and its byproducts.

Recently, a joint inspection of 22 blood banks was conducted by officers of SBTC and Food and Drugs Administration (FDA).

The action was taken based on complaints filed by health activist Chetan Kothari on August 4.

Subhash Sone, an SBTC official, said a meeting will be convened with 22 city blood banks considering the issues (of overcharging) and blood being an essential component for medical procedures.

Kothari alleged that many blood banks are conducting unnecessary tests. As per government instructions, blood test charges should be conducted at ₹1,450 per blood unit.

But most of them, connected to private hospitals, are charging between ₹1700-₹3500 per unit. “Many blood banks are charging patients for cryoprecipitate —a byproduct of blood used in treating haemophilia. Ironically, a government resolution states the haemophilia patients should be given blood free of charge,” said Kothari.

However, an FDA official said that suspending blood banks’ licences is unlikely to happen.

“The blood banks cannot be shut down, but we can take strict action such as hefty penalties or ask them to refund excess costs.”