Illegal blood bank in Saddar area sealed
Specialised Healthcare Secretary Najam Ahmad Shah directed the authorities concerned that registration of public blood banks should be completed in seven days. He said health EDOs would be assigned duties for the purpose. PHOTO: AFP
The Sindh Blood Transfusion Authority has sealed the Day and Night Thalassemia Haemophilia Care Centre in Saddar area for its involvement in illegal activities.
The centre was providing blood to patients without legal permission, putting the lives of citizens at risk. Fake donor identification numbers were being used on blood bags with fake signatures from a foreign institution.
The centre's temporary permit had expired in 2022. Blood was being provided to various hospitals, the screening of which was unsafe.
A hospital had complained that the centre was involved in forgery of records and misuse of ISBT codes.
The SBTA took action on complaints from other institutions, including Indus Hospital. A case was registered on the complaint of SBTA Secretary Dr. Durenaz Jamal.
The illegal blood bank also had a guest house, while a cancer patient was given unsafe blood, which is tantamount to putting her life in danger. The centre employee also tried to threaten SBTA employees during the operation. According to Dr Durenaz, there is a risk of spreading diseases like Hepatitis B, C, HIV, malaria and syphilis through unsafe blood screening.