An RTI enquiry to the FDA earlier revealed that close to three dozen blood banks, were flouting norms related to staffing
While government blood banks flouting staff norms have been consistently under fire, the 34 private blood banks across Mumbai guilty of the same offence have so far been spared by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). All that could change as the Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) has started probing the issue and has also sought comments from the public health department of the BMC.
“An earlier RTI filed with the FDA itself revealed that 34 private blood banks were flouting staff norms. While action has been taken against public blood banks, why are the private ones being spared,” questioned Kothari adding that the FDA is going soft on private players.
An RTI enquiry to the FDA earlier revealed that close to three dozen blood banks, including those at hospitals like Fortis, Asian Heart Institute, Jaslok, Lilavati and Breach Candy, were flouting norms related to staffing. While the FDA continues to remain silent on the action taken against private blood banks, the ACB in a written reply has said that it is conducting an inquiry and an investigation is underway.
Rules require a blood bank to function in presence of a blood transfusion officer (BTO). This means that a minimum of four BTOs are required to run a 24-hour shift so that an extra officer can be available during an officer’s weekly off. Every blood donation camp is required to be conducted under the supervision of one BTO. “Since each BTO charges a minimum of Rs 1 lakh per month, the blood banks try to save money and cut down on staff,” Kothari added.
WHAT RTI REPORT SAYS
An RTI enquiry to the FDA earlier revealed that close to three dozen blood banks, including those at hospitals like Fortis, Asian Heart Institute, Jaslok, Lilavati and Breach Candy, were flouting norms related to staffing
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