No arrest in lapses by Phagwara blood bank staff

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, February 17

Even after nine days, the Phagwara police have failed to nab the blood transfusion officer and the lab technician, against whom an FIR was registered for “criminal negligence”. Blood units 179 and 2,922, which were infected with the HCV and HBsAG (hepatits B) positive blood, were given to two patients by the Phagwara blood bank on February 4. The same bank, on February 6, had transfused mismatched blood to a 19-year-old patient (B positive blood was transfused to O positive patient).

The patient, Beant Kaur (85), who reportedly received transfusion from blood unit number 179, died due to multiple health complications.

Dr Hardeep Singh Sethi, blood transfusion officer, and lab technician Ravipal had been booked under Sections 307, 465, 466, 468, 471 and 120 B of the IPC.

Responding to the delay in the arrest of the said officials, Kapurthala SSP Satinder Singh said, “We are on the job. Teams are on the lookout.”

Meanwhile, due to considerable damage to the kidney, Pardeep Yadav (19) continues to be on dialysis and under critical care. His brother Rakesh said: “Due to his condition, his leg could not be operated upon. If it is not treated soon, we fear the situation may get out of hand.”

19-yr-old still critical

Due to considerable damage to kidney, Pardeep Yadav (19), who was given mismatched blood, continues to be on dialysis and under critical care. His brother Rakesh said: “Due to his condition, his leg could not be operated upon. If it is not treated soon, we fear the situation may get out of hand.”