26 Blood banks in Amravati face 50 per cent staff crunch

Responding to the RTI query filed by an independent doctor, the state government has revealed that 26 blood banks in Amaravati district are suffering a 50 per cent staff crunch of blood transfusion officers (BTO).

While FDA norms have stringent rules for employing at least four BTOs to keep the centre running for 24X7, more than 14 blood banks are functioning with merely one BTO to look after the medical proceedings of the blood bank. Moreover, while the blood banks can possibly face stringent action for being acutely short staffed, Central Drug Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) is investigating the matter.

The independent pathologist, on condition of anonymity said, “The blood bank is either causing inconvenience to people by not working round- -the-clock or are run by technicians who are not qualified to accept or issue blood.” He also said, “There could be various medical difficulties in grouping and issuing the blood which can result in severe consequences.”

FDA norms state that minimum four BTOs are required to run a blood bank. “One BTO who is a certified pathologist earns anywhere between Rs 50,000 to Rs 70,000. But if the blood banks are trying to save on their salaries by hiring only one or two BTOs, then it’s a serious concern because they are blatantly going against the FDA norms,” said the doctor.

He has also sent a written complaint to CDSCO authorities that govern all the blood banks. The authorities have said that the matter is under probe.