KARACHI, Sept 19: The health department is planning to lodge First Information Reports (FIRs) against the unregistered blood banks dealing in dubious products, it was learnt on Saturday.
According to the deputy chief of Sindh Blood Transfusion Authority (SBTA), Dr Kamran Awan, some people operating blood banks in Karachi had started hurling threats against the health department officials involved in inspecting such facilities. "Today some boys came over to our offices and threatened us of dire consequences," he told this reporter.
"I have informed the health secretary of the situation, who asked us to bring the episode on record." He said the issue would now be taken up with the police. "The Inspector-General would be informed and he would be requested for provision of necessary protection."
Dr Awan disclosed that a new phase of the campaign against unregistered blood banks in Karachi would be kicked off on Monday in which between 25 and 20 of them would be inspected. About 30 of the blood banks operating in the city have already been inspected.
"After visiting 20 to 25 blood banks next week, we would have completed inspecting all the unregistered blood banks in Karachi, which number about 55," said Dr Awan. He said unregistered blood banks in the interior were also being inspected.
Dr Awan disclosed that a meeting of the SBTA would be held on Sept 27, which was expected to be chaired by adviser on health. "The health secretary and law secretary are also going to attend."
It was his aim, he said, that some 140 cases be presented at the meeting. "As I told you that all the blood banks in Karachi would be inspected by the end of next week. The blood banks in the interior would also be inspected before the meeting."
All the 140 cases, along with inspection reports, would be discussed in detail at the meeting. "At the meeting, we would decide what kind of action should be taken against the unregistered blood banks, especially those dealing in expired or substandard products."
Drive to continue: Sindh Health Adviser Faisal Malik has said that the government would continue its campaign against substandard unregistered blood banks and the traders of expired, counterfeited and smuggled medicines, adds PPI.
Talking to a delegation from the interior of Sindh that called on him at his office, he said that no pressure or influence would be tolerated in this regard. He said that those provincial health department officials, involved in such heinous private business, should rectify their behaviour, otherwise, they would have to face the music.
He observed that substandard and expired blood and medicines circulating in the market were behind the outspread of various diseases in the province. The delegation appreciated his views and assured their all cooperation in this regard.