DCA Busts Illegal Blood Component Supply in Medchal-Malkajgiri,Telangana
Hyderabad: In a crackdown on illicit medical practices, the Drugs Control Administration (DCA), Telangana, uncovered an operation, involving the unauthorized preparation and distribution of blood components at the ‘Asian Blood Centre’ located in AS Rao Nagar, Medchal-Malkajgiri District.
Acting on credible information, DCA officials conducted a raid on the premises of the ‘Asian Blood Centre’ on April 19th and 20th, 2024. The blood bank, a unit of the Asian Health Foundation, was permitted by the Drugs Control Administration solely for the collection, storage, processing, and distribution of Whole Human Blood. However, during the raid, officials discovered violations of these permissions.
Illegal Blood Component Supply in Hyderabad
Despite not having the required authority, it was discovered during the raid that the “Asian Blood Centre” was unlawfully preparing and supplying blood components, such as packed red blood cells (RBCs) and plasma. Additionally, the blood bank participated in the illicit production and distribution of single donor platelets, a procedure that calls for requires specialized equipment and knowledge.
During the raid, J. Ravi Kumar, a technician at the blood centre, disclosed that the Single Donor Platelets were obtained unlawfully from other blood banks, bypassing regulations and endangering patient safety. As evidence, DCA officials seized two bags of Packed RBCs, and one bag of Plasma, along with various documents including account books, sales bill books, requisition forms, and labels related to Single Donor Platelets.
Blood suckers: Officials bust illegal preparation/supply of blood components by a blood bank in Telangana.
The blood components prepared and supplied in an unauthorized manner may fail to meet the
quality standards prescribed in the Drugs Rules.Such products may have serious… pic.twitter.com/xpPpHC0Ps1
— Sudhakar Udumula (@sudhakarudumula) April 20, 2024
The raid was conducted under the supervision of T. Shiva Teja, Drugs Inspector of Kapra, and B. Praveen, Drugs Inspector of Shameerpet. Director General V.B. Kamalasan Reddy, IPS, affirmed that further investigation would be pursued, with strict actions to be taken against all those involved in the illicit operation.
CM Revanth Reddy reorganizes disaster management for Greater Hyderabad
HYDERABAD: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has decided to assign critical responsibilities to the Disaster Management Department within Greater Hyderabad. He has directed officials to implement structural changes and redistribute responsibilities accordingly. In a review meeting at the Secretariat on Monday evening, the Chief Minister discussed the reorganization with officials from Municipal Administration, HMDA, and Musi Development.
Expansion of disaster management responsibilities
Recognizing the geographic expansion of Hyderabad, the Chief Minister ordered the Disaster Management Department to extend its jurisdiction to the Outer Ring Road. He suggested including GHMC, 27 surrounding municipalities and corporations, and 33 gram panchayats within its service area. The department will be renamed the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring Protection (HYDRA). The Chief Minister proposed appointing a DIG-level officer as the director and SP-level officers as additional directors. He also recommended special teams from GHMC, HMDA, the Water Board, city traffic, and other departments to join this new division.
The Chief Minister emphasized the need for the Disaster Management Department to offer continuous services to city residents, not just during floods or emergencies. HYDRA should actively address all issues faced by Hyderabad’s citizens, including preserving the city’s tanks and ponds, protecting government properties from encroachments, and managing hoardings and flex banners. Additionally, HYDRA will oversee water pipelines, electricity supply lines, drainage, flood management, and traffic control.
Focus on heritage and infrastructure projects
Chief Minister Reddy directed the acceleration of the Musi River Development Project, aiming to elevate Hyderabad’s international reputation. He stressed the importance of working towards the government’s goal of transforming this project into a landmark. He also ordered officials to take necessary actions to restore historical buildings and structures within the city. The GHMC presented a PowerPoint on various heritage sites, such as the City Library, Charminar Ayurvedic Hospital, and Nizamia Observatory etc. The Chief Minister encouraged exploring ways to develop these sites for tourism and integrating feasible ones into the Musi River Development Project.
The Chief Minister instructed Chief Secretary Shantikumar to draft a comprehensive reorganization plan, including staffing, duties, and budget allocations for HYDRA. He also emphasized identifying key areas where the Disaster Management Department can enhance its operations.
The meeting included Chief Secretary Shantikumar, Principal Secretary of Municipal Administration and Urban Development Danakishore, GHMC Commissioner Amrapali, GHMC Vigilance Disaster Management Commissioner A.V. Ranganath, and Hyderabad Water Board MD Ashok Reddy.
