Mumbai FDA Suspends Kandivali Hospital Blood Centre Licence

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has ordered a three-day suspension of the blood centre licence at Bharatratna Babasaheb Ambedkar Municipal General Hospital in Kandivali West, Mumbai.

The suspension, slated for mid-October, comes after an FDA inspection on March 2, 2026, found multiple irregularities, including unqualified personnel conducting haemoglobin tests and incomplete ledgers.

The hospital administration has appealed the order, hoping for relief. A senior administrative official stated that the hospital has approached the FDA through an appeal, submitting details and hoping for a favourable decision.

The inspection also found that the blood centre was functioning in only one shift, despite having two available doctors. Additionally, the main doctor was found to be suffering from a skin disease, which is a violation of applicable requirements.

The suspension has raised concerns over patient care, particularly for those requiring blood transfusions for surgeries, emergencies, or critical treatment.

However, the hospital official assured that alternative arrangements have been made to ensure patients can access blood and components during the suspension period. The hospital has tie-ups with two other blood banks, which will provide blood and blood components at BMC-decided rates.

The hospital's own blood centre provides only whole blood, but patients can access blood components through the linked blood banks.

The FDA's decision on the hospital's appeal is pending, and if the suspension is enforced, patients requiring blood components will be able to access them through the linked blood banks.

The suspension of the blood centre licence has significant implications for patient care in Mumbai, highlighting the need for strict adherence to regulations and guidelines in healthcare facilities.

The hospital's administration is working to address the irregularities and ensure that the blood centre meets the required standards.

In the meantime, patients and their families can be assured that alternative arrangements are in place to ensure access to blood and blood components during the suspension period.

The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of regular inspections and monitoring of healthcare facilities to ensure compliance with regulations and guidelines.

The Maharashtra FDA's actions demonstrate a commitment to upholding standards in healthcare, and the hospital's administration is taking steps to address the issues and prevent similar incidents in the future.

As the hospital awaits the FDA's decision on its appeal, patients and their families can be assured that efforts are being made to ensure that the blood centre meets the required standards and provides safe and reliable services.

In conclusion, the suspension of the blood centre licence at Bharatratna Babasaheb Ambedkar Municipal General Hospital in Kandivali West highlights the importance of strict adherence to regulations and guidelines in healthcare facilities. The hospital's administration is working to address the irregularities, and alternative arrangements are in place to ensure patient care during the suspension period.

The incident has significant implications for patient care in Mumbai, and the Maharashtra FDA's actions demonstrate a commitment to upholding standards in healthcare.

The hospital's administration is taking steps to address the issues and prevent similar incidents in the future, ensuring that the blood centre meets the required standards and provides safe and reliable services.