Phagwara blood bank blunders yet again, govt orders its closure

Aparna Banerji

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, February 6

The operations of the Phagwara blood bank were today closed following earlier blunder of issuing HCV-infected blood to an 85-year-old woman, but not before it committed another grave lapse of administering mismatched blood to a 19-year-old patient.

Edit: Unsafe transfusion

Blood Transfusion Officer Dr Hardeep Singh Sethi and Lab Technician Ravipal were placed under suspension in connection with the case reported yesterday. A show-cause notice has also been issued to the blood bank to reply on the issue within seven days. It would remain closed till further orders (until the removal of deficiencies).

Principal Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, Anurag Agarwal said, “There were glaring lapses in following the standard operating procedures (SOPs)… we plan to review the scenario in the entire state.” Pardeep Mattu, State Drug Controller and Joint Commissioner Food and Drug Administration said, “The operation of the blood bank has been closed… now, it cannot take or issue blood. Routine operations will also remain suspended.”

The report submitted by the medical board also highlighted the latest case of administering mismatched blood. Last night, Pardeep Yadav (19), a labourer, was administered B-positive blood, although his blood group is O-positive. The transfusion of blood led to immediate deterioration in Pradeep’s health. He developed jaundice and his blood sugar level shot up to 321. His condition is stated to be stable now.