Hyderabad: Following the recent case of dilution of blood at the Government Maternity Hospital, senior officials are questioning the appointment of contract workers in the system.
Lab technician Narendra Prasad, arrested for diluting the blood with saline, was a contract worker. There are five government blood banks in the city and lab technicians in most of them are appointed on contracts. Prasad’s arrest has brought into sharp focus the operations of the blood bank, its functioning style and accountability of staff.
According to senior officials of the health department, "Glaring lapses in terms of data entry in the books, maintaining of blood stock, following of protocol in terms of safety and also handling of medical products have come to the fore." This work of the blood bank is being handled by employees who are being appointed on contract basis.
A senior health official on condition of anonymity told this newspaper, “These are sensitive and delicate works which are being completely handled by contract workers. What is their accountability? Will the department be able to take any action against them? Will they be liable for the damage caused to the hospital and the blood bank? These are serious questions and the government must look into it.”
