Koderma's Government Blood Bank Reduced to Storage Facility After License Revocation
Koderma's only government-run blood bank has been operating as a mere storage center since November 9, 2025, when its license was officially revoked. This critical development has created a severe shortage of blood units for patients across the district, forcing many to seek alternatives from distant medical facilities.
License Revocation Following Relocation
Dr. Ranjeet Kumar, deputy superintendent of Koderma Sadar Hospital, confirmed that the blood bank's license was revoked after it was shifted to a new building within the hospital premises. "According to government regulations, a fresh application must be submitted when a blood bank is relocated," Dr. Kumar explained. He added that the necessary application has been submitted to the state government and normal services are expected to resume soon.
Drastic Reduction in Blood Availability
The license cancellation has resulted in a dramatic decrease in available blood for patients. Previously, the facility provided an average of 500 units of blood monthly. However, since November 9, 2025, it has managed to distribute only 767 units total. As of Monday, the center had just 7 units of blood in stock.
Critical Impact on Thalassaemia Patients
The situation has become particularly dire for the district's 52 thalassaemia patients who require regular monthly blood transfusions. These patients now face constant struggles to arrange necessary blood units. In a recent incident, only one out of five thalassaemia patients who came seeking blood actually received a unit.
Challenges for Dialysis Patients
The hospital's dialysis center, which serves approximately 12-15 patients daily, has also been severely affected. When specific blood groups run out at the center, patients and their families must arrange blood themselves. Naheshwar Sharma, a patient, recently had to personally locate O-positive blood because none was available at the facility.
Dependence on Distant Medical College
With the local blood bank unable to collect donations directly, the only available source has become the Sheikh Bhikhari Medical College and Hospital in Hazaribag, located about 60 kilometers away. For emergency cases including accident victims and women in labor, families must undertake hours-long journeys to obtain blood needed for surgical procedures.
Alternative Collection Efforts Continue
Despite the limitations, hospital management continues efforts to address urgent needs. "We are doing everything possible to help those in most critical condition," Dr. Kumar stated. The hospital still organizes blood donation camps, collecting more than 815 units since November 9, 2025. These units are sent to Hazaribag for processing before being returned to Koderma for distribution.
The ongoing situation highlights significant challenges in healthcare infrastructure in the district, with patients bearing the brunt of administrative and regulatory transitions affecting essential medical services.
