Resilience amidst Challenges: A Chronicle of the Phagwara Blood Bank

The Rising Panjab Bureau

In the heart of Phagwara, where the intersection of hope and health takes center stage, a remarkable story unfolds—one of unwavering resilience, redemption, and an enduring commitment to safeguarding the lives of patients. This narrative revolves around the Phagwara blood bank, an institution that has encountered its share of trials but has emerged stronger and more determined than ever before.

A routine inspection conducted by the State Department of Drugs Control unveiled a series of unsettling irregularities within the Civil Hospital's blood bank. These discrepancies, far from trivial, raised grave concerns about the safety of the blood units being dispensed to those in dire need. Shockingly, the audit exposed the distribution of three HIV-positive blood units—bearing the numbers 2120, 2207, and 2204—to unsuspecting patients, placing their lives in jeopardy.

The inspection report revealed a total of 17 discrepancies, encompassing issues ranging from the storage of expired reagents to the absence of quality control test reports for various blood components. Donor medical forms failed to align with the stipulations set forth in the Drugs and Cosmetics Act of 1940, with several inadequately filled out. The blood bank's record-keeping, notably the donor register, was found incomplete and failed to meet the standards set by the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO). Adding to the list of concerns, there was a conspicuous absence of a permanent Blood Transfusion Officer overseeing the daily operations.

Amidst this disheartening backdrop, a glimmer of hope emerged in the form of a notice issued by Amit Duggal, Assistant Commissioner of the Food and Drugs Administration in Punjab. This notice served as a clarion call for immediate action, firmly asserting that the blood bank's disregard for patient safety, by distributing substandard blood units, was in flagrant violation of established standards. It posed a critical question: Why should the blood bank, with license number 1708-B, not face suspension or cancellation due to these blatant infractions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules of 1945?

Commissioner Abhinav Trikha reinforced the notion that the Food and Drugs Administration played a regulatory, not an implementing role, for blood banks. The responsibility for further actions rested with the Director of Health, underscoring the significance of a comprehensive investigation.

Dr.Adarsh Pal Kaur, Director of Health and Family Welfare, assured that a thorough inquiry into the matter would be undertaken. She made it clear that considering an FIR (First Information Report) would only be on the table if the investigation conclusively identified culpability among the blood bank staff.

In a reassuring turn of events, Bobby Gulati, Assistant Director of the Punjab State AIDS Control Society, confirmed that upon retesting, the HIV-positive blood units were found to be HIV non-reactive. The patients who had received these units were found to be HIV-negative. However, a cautionary note was sounded, reminding all of us about the latent onset of HIV symptoms, which can manifest weeks or even months after exposure.

As the narrative shifts its focus towards the future, it becomes imperative to acknowledge that the Phagwara blood bank has encountered adversity in the past. In 2020, it faced a temporary shutdown due to the issuance of HCV (Hepatitis C Virus) positive blood and the distribution of mismatched blood, incidents that left indelible scars on its reputation.

This chapter in the blood bank's history bears significance far beyond its immediate context. The show-cause certificate issued by the Drug Department was dispatched to a roster of authorities, including the Principal Secretary of Health and Family Welfare, the Commissioner of the Food and Drugs Administration in Punjab, and the Drugs Controller General of India. It constitutes a collective call to arms, demanding accountability and systemic reform.

In the face of adversity, there lies an opportunity for transformation. This ordeal serves as a stark reminder that the pursuit of excellence in healthcare, especially in the realm of blood banks, is a ceaseless voyage. It underscores the incontestable principles of safety, adherence to guidelines, and transparency as non-negotiable facets of healthcare delivery.

In the words of Vinit Puri, the general secretary of the Hindustan Welfare Blood Donors Club, "Requisite action should be taken against culprits who issued HIV +ve blood units. The patients who received such units should be traced. The authorities should conduct an inquiry into the matter."

In conclusion, this is a story of resilience—the resilience of the blood bank in confronting its deficiencies, the resilience of the healthcare system in holding itself accountable, and the resilience of a community resolute in ensuring that the promise of life-saving blood remains unwavering. It is a story of redemption, where today's lessons pave the way for a brighter, safer, and more compassionate tomorrow.