Archive · 6 Sep 2026
Kolkata Blood Shortage Follows Crackdown on Donation Camps
Kolkata is facing a serious shortage of blood after the state stopped 11 blood banks from holding donation camps.
The action followed allegations that some camps were unauthorised and that blood components were moved or sold improperly.
A government website showed whole-blood reserves at only three of 36 listed centres when it was checked.
People needing blood should first ask their doctor for a prescription and contact a licensed blood centre.
They should also check the e-RaktKosh website, but availability can change quickly.
A replacement donor is not legally required, although many hospitals commonly ask for one.
Blood itself cannot be sold, but blood centres can charge approved processing fees.
People with rare blood types may seek help from donor groups and NGOs.
Blood that expires is discarded and is never given to patients.
West Bengal barred 11 blood banks from organising donation camps while investigating alleged irregularities.
Inspections reportedly found blood components allegedly sent to other states at premium prices.
Only three of 36 centres listed on e-RaktKosh had whole-blood reserves when checked by My Kolkata.
Patients should check e-RaktKosh and call licensed blood centres before visiting because availability changes quickly.
Blood cannot legally be sold, but centres may charge prescribed fees for collection, testing, processing and storage.
- Who
- The West Bengal Health Department, blood banks, hospitals, patients, donors and donor organisations are involved.
- What
- The state suspended donation-camp activity by 11 blood banks amid alleged irregularities, while Kolkata faces pressure on blood reserves.
- When
- The 11 blood banks were barred in August; paid blood donation has been banned in India since January 1, 1998.
- Where
- Kolkata and other inspected areas of West Bengal, including Howrah, Nadia and Burdwan.
- Why
- The action followed allegations involving unauthorised camps, improper transfers or sales of blood components, and possible financial incentives.
Regulatory and voluntary perspective
Hospital and patient-access concerns
Replacement donors
Regulatory and voluntary perspective
The National Blood Transfusion Council does not legally require patients to provide a replacement donor.
Hospital and patient-access concerns
Priyam Sengupta said many hospitals typically require one in practice, creating difficulties for patients from outside the region and potentially encouraging broker involvement.
Blood-centre charges
Regulatory and voluntary perspective
Blood is not supposed to be sold; centres may levy prescribed charges for collection, testing, processing and storage. Government facilities may provide blood without a processing charge in some cases.
Hospital and patient-access concerns
Patients may still face different fees at private centres, including the reported Rs 1,000 charge at Kothari Medical and the different rates described by a frequent donor depending on whether a government credit card is presented.
- Blood banks barred
- 11 blood banks were barred from organising donation camps pending investigation.
- Reported reserve check
- My Kolkata found whole-blood reserves at three of 36 centres listed on e-RaktKosh.
- Legal status of paid donation
- Paid or professional blood donation has been banned in India since January 1, 1998.
- Replacement donation
- The National Blood Transfusion Council recognises replacement donation but does not make it legally mandatory.
- Reported replacement-donor practice
- Priyam Sengupta said about 70% of transfusions at government and private hospitals typically require a replacement donor.
- Processing charge example
- Kothari Medical Blood Centre said its processing charge was Rs 1,000 for whole blood and components.
- Expired blood
- Expired blood is discarded under hospital or blood-bank policy and is never transfused.