Kolkata, Aug 1 : The West Bengal Health Department on Saturday announced that it has barred 11 blood banks in the state from conducting blood donation camps anywhere in the state till further orders. The state health department had started an investigation against 11 blood banks accused of severe irregularities including illegally selling blood collected in West Bengal to other states.

â??Till the time the investigation process in the matter is completed these 11 blood banks would be barred from organising blood donation camps anywhere in the state,â?? said a West Bengal Health Department official.

A notification on this count had also been issued by the West Bengal Health Department. The bar on organising blood donation camps is applicable from August 1.

It is learnt that there are serious allegations of multiple irregularities against them, including blood and plasma being unauthorisedly being sent to other states in exchange of money.

â??Currently an investigation against these 11 blood banks is being carried out by the State Blood Transfusion Board. However, the ban applies only to organising camps outside. Blood sample collection or trading will continue within the institution.

"Again, that should be done only by skilled and trained staff, following all the rules on this count. In addition, the state health department has asked the State Blood Transfusion Board to be alert of any major blood transaction anywhere in the state,â?? the West Bengal Health Department official said.

A few days ago, officials from the West Bengal Health Department conducted search operations in connection with the investigation into irregularities in organising blood donation camps. They raided several places in Kolkata and the district and monitored the situation there.

Several important documents were also seized. In view of that, this time, a ban has been imposed on these 11 blood banks from organising blood donation camps till further orders.

According to sources, some of these blood bank authorities did not even seek the necessary permission from the West Bengal Health Department to organise blood donation camps.

There were also irregularities in blood collections. Apart from that, there were allegations that red blood cells and plasma were sent to other states on premium prices. The officials concerned are investigating these allegations. Until the investigation is completed, no new camps can be organised.

/IANS