Union Health Ministry Uncovers Critical Failures in Rajasthan's Blood Bank System
The Union Health Ministry has identified serious operational deficiencies in Rajasthan's blood bank management following recent inspections. Officials discovered multiple shortcomings that could compromise patient safety across the state.
Inspection Reveals Alarming Shortcomings
Inspections conducted by health authorities revealed inadequate record-keeping practices in several facilities. Many blood banks failed to conduct proper ELISA testing procedures. Perhaps most concerning, some centers neglected to communicate HIV-positive cases to the State AIDS Control Society as required by protocol.
Health Secretary Issues Direct Instructions
In a January 15 communication, Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava addressed Rajasthan's Principal Secretary of Health, Gayatri Rathore. Srivastava emphasized the need to move away from replacement blood donation systems. She urged the state to actively promote voluntary, non-remunerated regular blood donors instead.
The State Blood Transfusion Council should provide necessary support for this transition according to the ministry's directive.
Blood Services Called Cornerstone of Healthcare
Srivastava described blood transfusion services as fundamental to patient care and public health systems. She called for sustained attention to regulatory compliance and quality standards. Robust operational practices must ensure safe, quality-assured blood and blood components reach patients.
A health department official confirmed the ministry's position. "The Union health secretary underscored that all blood centers in Rajasthan must function strictly according to applicable statutory provisions," the official stated. "They must follow national guidelines and standards issued periodically by the National Blood Transfusion Council."
Multiple National Standards Require Compliance
The ministry specifically cited several critical documents that blood banks must follow:
- The National Standards for Blood Centres and Blood Transfusion Services (2022)
- The Transfusion Medicine Technical Manual (2023)
- External Quality Assessment Scheme Operational Guidelines (2024)
- Guideline for Voluntary Blood Donation (2024)
- The revised Donor Selection and Referral Guidelines (2025)
Risk-Based Inspections Initiated Nationwide
The letter noted that Risk-Based Inspections of Blood Centres have begun under the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization. State and Union Territory authorities received instructions to prioritize this matter. Each State Drug Regulator must conduct comprehensive audits of blood centers with clearly outlined checkpoints.
Licensing and Testing Requirements Emphasized
The ministry reiterated that blood centers must operate with valid licenses. They must comply fully with regulatory standards covering infrastructure, staffing, equipment and processes under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and its accompanying rules.
Mandatory testing of all blood units for transfusion-transmitted infections received special emphasis. This includes screening for HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Malaria and Syphilis. The ministry called for strengthened HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C testing through fourth-generation CLIA/ELISA methods.
Any reactive units identified during testing must be discarded following Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules from 2016. This ensures potentially contaminated blood products do not enter the healthcare system.
The comprehensive review highlights systemic issues requiring immediate attention in Rajasthan's blood transfusion services. Patient safety depends on swift corrective actions and strict adherence to national standards.
