Hyderabad, Oct. 6: The Telangana High Court has sought detailed explanations over alleged procedural lapses at a blood donation camp in Hyderabad after 41 collected blood units were reportedly discarded, including units found reactive for HIV and other blood-borne infections.
The camp was organised on February 23, 2025, at King’s Palace in Gudimalkapur by the Thalassemia Sickle Cell Society (TSCS) and journalist Mohammed Akram, also known as Abu Aimal, according to the petition.
Justice Sharavan Kumar heard the matter on Monday. Advocate Barkat Ali Khan appeared before the court as a party-in-person and raised concerns over compliance with blood collection and safety regulations.
The petitioner alleged violations of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, the applicable rules and guidelines governing voluntary blood donation camps. He argued that donated blood must undergo proper screening, testing, documentation and handling because it serves as a vital public resource.
Telangana High Court Seeks Explanations on Blood Screening and Records
Khan alleged that mandatory safeguards relating to donor screening, health assessments, counselling, informed consent and record-keeping were not followed at the camp.
The petition also raised concerns about HIV and hepatitis screening and the alleged failure to upload details of the camp to the e-RaktKosh portal.
The petitioner argued that adequate pre-donation screening could have prevented the collection of units that were later discarded. He also raised concerns about the potential risks of unsafe blood reaching patients with thalassemia, who often require regular transfusions.
According to the petitioner, he had earlier approached the Gudimalkapur Police, the Thalassemia Centre and concerned hospitals through complaints and Right to Information applications.
He further submitted that the Drugs Control Administration conducted an inquiry following his complaint and allegedly found violations at the Thalassemia Centre. The competent authority subsequently issued a show-cause notice dated June 3, 2025, asking the concerned blood bank to explain why its licence should not be suspended or cancelled.
During the hearing, Khan also referred to a similar incident reportedly involving a blood donation camp in Jharkhand and stressed the need for strict screening procedures.
The court directed the petitioner to file an additional affidavit with supporting documents. It also asked the respondents to submit detailed affidavits explaining the alleged testing and record-keeping lapses, particularly the collection and subsequent disposal of blood units found reactive for HIV.
The court is examining the issues raised in the petition. The allegations have not been established as final judicial findings.
The matter has been posted for further hearing on October 12, 2026.
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