Archive · 24 Sep 2025
SBTC Orders Inquiry After Report of Blood Shortage at KEM Hospital
KEM Hospital in Mumbai is being investigated because it took too long to give a baby fresh blood.
A news report said a baby with a blood problem waited a long time for a blood transfusion.
A person complained to the State Blood Transfusion Council (SBTC), which then told the hospital to explain what happened.
This is because babies need special fresh blood, not the usual blood components.
The hospital says they are trying to get more people to donate blood.
The delay could cause health problems for babies.
SBTC wants to make sure hospitals are following the rules.
SBTC ordered KEM Hospital to conduct an inquiry regarding the non-availability of fresh whole blood.
The Free Press Journal (FPJ) reported on a case where a newborn waited eight days for a blood transfusion.
RTI activist Chetan Kothari filed a complaint with SBTC after the report.
Doctors warned that delays in blood transfusions can worsen a newborn's health.
BMC clarified that while blood is typically separated, fresh whole blood is needed for newborns.
- Who
- SBTC, KEM Hospital officials, RTI activist Chetan Kothari
- What
- SBTC ordered an inquiry into the alleged delay in providing fresh whole blood at KEM Hospital.
- When
- Following an FPJ report on August 11, 2025.
- Where
- KEM Hospital in Parel, Mumbai
- Why
- Due to a report highlighting the hospital's failure to provide fresh whole blood to a newborn, which led to delays and potential health risks.
RTI Activists/Doctors
Hospital/BMC
Blood Availability
RTI Activists/Doctors
Allegations of negligence and lapses in providing timely blood transfusions, especially concerning newborns.
Hospital/BMC
BMC states hospitals follow established blood component separation practices and actively work to encourage blood donations.
- Hospital
- KEM Hospital, Parel
- Issue
- Non-availability of fresh whole blood for newborns
- Involved Parties
- SBTC, KEM Hospital, RTI activist, BMC
- Complaint
- Filed by RTI activist Chetan Kothari
- BMC Clarification
- Blood is separated into components; KEM motivates donors
- FPJ Report
- Highlighted a newborn's case of delayed blood transfusion