India, Dec. 30 -- The State Blood Transfusion Council (SBTC) has cautioned blood banks against collecting blood beyond local requirements, particularly during donation drives in December-February. In a directive issued on December 26, the SBTC warned that blood banks found diverting surplus blood components to other states will face strict action, including cancellation of their licences.

"Blood collection must be based on the average distribution of the last three years in the city, district and nearby districts," the directive issued by the SBTC said.

The council said that while blood donation camps are often organised in December-February to coincide with major festivals, it had found some blood banks deliberately collecting more blo...