FSDA suspends operations at 11 blood centres in Lucknow after finding irregularities
Indiatimes March 31, 2026 07:40 PM
In a significant public health move across Uttar Pradesh, the Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) has suspended operations at 11 charitable blood centres in Lucknow and Kanpur following the discovery of serious irregularities. The action comes as part of a broader inspection initiative aimed at strengthening safety protocols in centres that collect, store and distribute blood and blood components to hospitals and patients.
The inspections were conducted by inter‑district teams of drug inspectors constituted by the FSDA headquarters. Teams visited 25 blood centres in Lucknow and 13 in Kanpur as part of a surprise assessment of procedural practices and documentation standards. During these visits, officials identified lapses in documentation, record‑keeping and blood handling procedures that could pose risks to public health.
As a result of these findings, the FSDA ordered an immediate halt to all blood‑related operations at the 11 centres where irregularities were deemed serious. This suspension covers blood collection, storage and distribution until identified issues are rectified and compliance is verified. Show‑cause notices have also been issued to additional centres where officials noted minor deficiencies, giving them deadlines to improve practices and meet regulatory standards.
Local drug inspectors have been tasked with monitoring compliance at the affected facilities and ensuring that corrective measures are implemented within stipulated timelines. Authorities emphasised that the action is preventive in nature and aimed at safeguarding public health, especially during periods when demand for blood increases due to seasonal illnesses or outbreaks.
Blood centres play a critical role in supporting medical treatments, emergency care and surgeries. Safe and well‑regulated operations are essential to prevent transfusion‑related infections and ensure that patients receive properly screened and stored blood. The FSDA’s initiative reflects wider efforts to enforce quality control and safety standards in healthcare services and medical supplies across the state.
Healthcare stakeholders and patient advocates have highlighted the importance of regular inspections, transparent reporting and accountability at all blood banks and diagnostic facilities. Strengthening oversight of these centres is seen as a key step in maintaining trust in public health infrastructure and ensuring safe medical care for patients who depend on blood transfusions.
