States asked to follow procedure while procuring blood testing ki

New Delhi, Nov 24 (UNI) In view of reports of sale of sub-standard blood testing kits by a company in West Bengal, the Centre has ordered an investigation by the Drug Controller General of India and directed all State AIDS Control Societies not to procure kits form the company, the Rajya Sabha was informed today.

In a written reply, Minister of State for Health Panabaka Lakshmi said that there was no report of identification of any person as a victim recipient of contaminated blood transfusion due to the defective test kits. She said the Drug Controller General (India) has been asked by the government to investigate into the matter.

All states have also been reminded of essential checks during the procurement procedure, use of kits and consumables and records to be maintained for diagnostic tests performed in the blood banks in states/UTs. They have been asked to strictly follow the guidelines and procedures laid down.

Already an FIR has been lodged against the Monozyme India Ltd, Secunderabad for supply of expired and sub-standard blood testing kits and the matter is sub judice. On the basis of FIR, arrests have been made by the police and the balance kits have been seized, she said.

Regarding the mode of transmission of HIV infection in the country, Ms Lakshmi said that of the 5.2 million infected persons by the end of 2005, in 85.7% transmission mode was from mother to child, 4.3% by mother to child and 1.9% through blood and blood products and the same percentage through injecting drug user. In 6% cases the mode of transmission could not be ascertained.

UNI AJ RP DS1548