LUCKNOW, March 31 -- Serious concerns have resurfaced over the functioning of blood banks in Lucknow where multiple facilities continue to operate despite repeated inspections flagging critical safety lapses.

Official estimates indicate that around 60 blood banks are currently operating in the city, including 29 by charitable organisations and societies. However, inspections conducted by the Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) have consistently identified major deficiencies at several centres.

According to inspection reports, a number of blood banks lack mandatory testing equipment. In several instances, qualified doctors are either absent or not regularly available to supervise blood collection and processing. Despite these shor...