Licences of three Mumbai blood banks suspended for offering gifts

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has temporarily closed down three blood banks in Mumbai for 3 to 5 days. This decision was made after it was found that Titan watches were given as gifts to donors during a blood donation camp held in April this year. Offering gifts to donors violates guidelines set by the National Blood Transfusion Council (NBTC).

The affected blood banks are:
1. Indian Red Cross Society Blood Centre, Mumbai
2. Dean Grant Medical College and Sir J.J. Group of Hospitals Blood Centre, Byculla
3. B.Y.L. Nair Charitable Hospital Blood Centre, Mumbai Central

Their licences were suspended for 5 days, 3 days, and 3 days respectively. However, the blood banks at Sir J.J. Group of Hospitals and Nair Hospital have appealed to the State Government and secured temporary stays on the suspension orders.

The donation camp was organised by the Young Star Committee in April 2026. Advertisements stated that donors would receive Titan watches as gifts. This is against NBTC guidelines, which prohibit offering gifts at voluntary blood donation camps.

During an inquiry, organisers and blood banks denied knowledge of the gift distribution. However, FDA officials contacted donors who confirmed they received watches. Following this, the FDA inspected the blood banks on August 22 and issued notices on September 2. Personal hearings were held on September 22, but the FDA found the explanations unsatisfactory.

The licences were suspended under the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945. FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe stated that blood donation is a social responsibility and should not be encouraged with gifts or inducements. He emphasised the need for strict compliance with guidelines to ensure ethical blood collection practices.