Union Minister of State for Health, Prataprao Jadhav, has reportedly occupied parts of the State Blood Transfusion Council (SBTC) office at Churchgate, citing the need to implement central health schemes in Maharashtra. According to a report by Loksatta, the council’s director’s chamber and additional rooms have been taken over by the minister’s representatives. Plans are underway to relocate the council's office to accommodate the minister’s requirements.
The SBTC, an autonomous body established two decades ago following a Supreme Court directive, plays a critical role in regulating blood stocks and blood banks across the state. Its current office on the fifth floor of Rabindra Annex has been functional for years. However, employees have raised concerns that the relocation will disrupt operations and create difficulties for patients with conditions like thalassemia, hemophilia, and sickle cell anemia, who regularly visit the office.
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The health department justified the move, stating it is necessary to facilitate the implementation of central government schemes, secure additional funds, and streamline communication between the state and central governments. However, due to space constraints in the appropriated rooms, the minister’s team has requested a larger workspace from the health department.