The Democratic Students Alliance has unearthed a blood donation racket in the Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital in Manipur. Six officials from the blood bank in the hospital, four regular blood donors, and an agent are allegedly involved in the racket.

Hospital authorities have begun an inquiry and have promised action on those involved.

The investigation has brought to light the modus operandi of four professional blood donors, who were in the practice of selling their blood thrice in a month. As per health norms, donors can donate blood only once a month.

“The agent gave the four donors Rs 300 each, while he gave Rs 200 to Rs 500 per unit of blood to the hospital officials. He took Rs 800 to Rs 1,300 from the buyers. The blood is sold in connivance with the officials of the blood bank of the hospital,” said Ibomcha, the organization’s publicity secretary.

When blood donation norms are flouted and professional blood donors donate more than once a month, the risks to health are extremely high especially in the absence of proper screening of blood prior to donation.

Source-Medindia
SAV/S