Mumbai Blood Banks Punished for Watch Gifts

In April 2026, a blood donation camp organized in Mumbai by the Young Star Committee offered wristwatches to donors, a practice that led to significant repercussions. The National Blood Transfusion Council (NBTC) guidelines and Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, strictly prohibit any form of remuneration or inducement for voluntary blood donations. This incident prompted the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate.

Following an inquiry, the FDA found evidence that donors did indeed receive watches, despite initial claims of unawareness. Consequently, the licenses of three prominent blood banks were suspended. The Indian Red Cross Society's blood centre faced a five-day suspension from October 9-13, 2026. The blood banks at Grant Medical College (JJ Group of Hospitals) and BYL Nair Charitable Hospital received three-day suspensions from October 9-11, 2026, after filing appeals. The FDA emphasized its commitment to preserving the voluntary nature of blood donation, free from any gifts or incentives, as a matter of social responsibility.