LARKANA, Nov 29: The Sindh Blood Transfusion Authority has issued warnings to four blood banks of the district to meet criteria of the authority. The blood banks have been given one month for the purpose.

Sources in the district health department told Dawn on Tuesday that SBTA secretary Dr Zahid Hussain Ansari in a letter to in-charges of the blood banks, Sukkur Blood Bank, Sachal Blood Bank, Ali Abbas Blood Bank and Murtaza Blood Bank – on Nov 22 had asked them to make their services conform to the SBTA standards.

The secretary said the blood banks could restart their working when they met the standards, adding that after one month, the blood banks would be inspected as per a check list approved by the competent authority.

The SBTA in another letter to the EDO, health, had expressed concern that a private blood bank – Sukkur blood bank – was operating in government premises adjacent to a government-run blood bank.

Sources said the SBTA secretary had proposed action in the matter.