Amritsar (Dawarka Nath Rana): Acting on directions from the Punjab Government, the Health and Family Welfare Department has formed special teams to inspect illegal blood donation camps being set up outside religious places.
A team constituted by Civil Surgeon Dr. Satinderjeet Singh Bajaj, including District Health Officer Dr. Jaspal Singh, BTO Dr. Rekha Rana and supporting staff, conducted a surprise inspection based on a complaint near Gurdwara Shaheedan Sahib.
During the inspection, several serious technical violations were found at multiple blood donation camps. These included organizing camps without official permission, lack of qualified staff, absence of trained medical professionals, and inadequate clinical infrastructure. Additionally, there was a shortage of essential medicines and emergency facilities required to ensure donor safety.
According to officials, several organizers shut down their camps and fled the spot upon learning about the inspection team’s arrival. Detailed reports regarding these unauthorized blood donation organizations have been submitted to the Civil Surgeon’s office for further legal and administrative action.
Dr. Bajaj has issued a strict warning to all blood centers and NGOs to conduct camps strictly in accordance with the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and guidelines of the National Blood Transfusion Council (NBTC).
He emphasized that donor safety and blood quality are of utmost importance. “Any blood center found operating without proper technical staff will face immediate cancellation of licenses and strict legal action,” he stated.
The Health Department has assured that strict monitoring will continue to prevent misuse of such noble activities and to ensure safe and ethical blood donation practices.
