The Maharashtra State Blood Transfusion Council (SBTC) has launched an intensive state-wide audit of all government and private blood banks following the discovery of severe regulatory breaches in Mumbai. This urgent move was triggered by the closure of the state-run Sir J.J. Metropolitan Blood Centre and the private Maya Blood Centre in Badlapur. Inspections revealed alarming lapses at these facilities, including improper handling of expired or contaminated blood, inadequate sterilization, malfunctioning equipment, and poor biomedical waste management. State officials have signaled a zero-tolerance policy, warning that any facility failing to meet safety standards will face immediate license cancellation.

This regulatory tightening comes amidst growing national concern regarding blood safety and organized crime within the medical supply chain. Following reports of children contracting HIV from tainted transfusions across several Indian states, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has mandated that all blood centers register on a national digital portal to improve transparency. The pressure is further compounded by a recent bust of a spurious plasma racket involving over 1,000 units of adulterated plasma, alongside recurring reports of centers engaging in the illegal bulk sale of blood for profit. Authorities are now doubling down on oversight to ensure that the blood supply remains safe and to prevent further public health crises.