Rights panel seeks urgent explanation from Civil Surgeon

Days after serious irregularities at the Civil Hospital’s blood bank was highlighted in these columns, the Punjab State Human Rights Commission (PSHRC) has taken cognisance of the matter and sought an urgent explanation from the Civil Surgeon.

The commission acted on a formal complaint based on the news report filed by local social activist Arvind Sharma alleging that the blood bank had been operating for nearly three years without a valid licence or a designated blood transfusion officer (BTO) — both mandatory under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Sharma termed the lapse a “violation of human rights and a threat to public safety.

In its order, the PSHRC directed the Civil Surgeon, Ramandeep Kaur, to submit a comprehensive report one week before the next hearing, scheduled for December 17.

Copies of the complaint and the commission’s directive have also been sent to the Director of Health and Family Welfare, Punjab, and the complainant for compliance.

Sharma in his complaint emphasised the critical role of a BTO in ensuring blood safety protocols, including supervision of collection, testing, storage and distribution. BTO’s signature is mandatory on all blood grouping and cross-matching reports.

He alleged that only two pathologists were currently managing the entire blood bank and the hospital’s two mobile vans for blood donation camps were non-functional.

He added that the absence of a formally appointed BTO was not a minor administrative lapse but a serious breach of protocol.

He said he had also raised the issue with the state Health Minister and the Chief Minister’s office.