Mumbai: Fearing wastage, several blood banks across the state have written to the State Blood Transfusion Council (SBTC), requesting to allow the transfer of excess stock of packed red cells to the needy counterparts.

The SBTC has banned the interstate bulk transfer of blood and its components till January 31, 2025. It took the step after finding that many private banks, especially from the Kolhapur and Solapur districts, were transferring large quantities of blood to private facilities in the neighbouring states at a higher processing fee. An SBTC officer dubbed the request made by the blood banks as a “pressure tactic to lift the ban”.

In a recent email to the SBTC, the blood banks said they have excess blood components as they have witnessed reduced demand for the blood at present. “We have an excess quantity of packed red cells for blood group A+, B+, O+ and AB+. Instead of letting it go to waste, we have written to the SBTC to allow us to send the excess stock to the banks facing a shortage,” said a blood bank officer from Solapur.

Another official from Satara said packed red cells are vital resources and that the SBTC should allow the transfer in case a bank has surplus. “The redistribution will ensure that the available resources are utilised effectively to meet the demand in the areas facing dearth. We have assured the SBTC that all the blood units have undergone rigorous quality checks to meet safety standards and that the transfer will be conducted in full compliance with regulatory requirements,” said the official.

The SBTC official said, “It was discovered that more than 500 units of blood were sent (for a higher price) to private banks in Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh. We therefore decided to issue the ban on bulk transfer. While it was lifted later, with the shortage of blood across the state during Diwali, the ban was reimposed.” The excess blood must be first offered to the government hospitals. The process of replying to the blood banks is underway, the official added.