05 January, 2026 – Faridkot : A day after The Tribune highlighted that an advanced blood safety system was lying unused at Guru Gobind Singh Medical College and Hospital (GGSMCH) in Faridkot, the issue has triggered political reactions and renewed concern from patient advocacy groups.
BJP national spokesperson Tuhin A Sinha took to X to criticise the Punjab Government, calling the situation “shocking” and questioning it commitment to patient safety despite central assistance.
“Shocking state of affairs in Punjab. Despite Centre’s efforts to improve blood safety, the lacklustre approach of first the Jharkhand Government and now the Punjab Government has let down patients suffering from blood disorders. About time Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann addresses the issue of blood safety in the state,” Sinha tweeted.
Patient advocacy groups have also expressed concerns, drawing parallels with recent incidents in Jharkhand where thalassaemia patients contracted HIV after receiving infected blood.
The Thalassaemia Patients Advocacy Group (TPAG), along with other patient bodies, flagged continued non-use of the nucleic acid amplification testing (NAT) machine at Faridkot. “As the Jharkhand High Court delivers a groundbreaking judgment on safe blood, NAT machines for screening rot in Punjab’s Faridkot. Who will take responsibility if thalassaemia patients contract HIV, HCV or other infections while the Punjab and Haryana High Court considers a dispute related to the machines?” the TPAG said in a post on X.
The Rs 1.5-crore NAT system, installed six months ago under a pilot project, remains idle due to a legal dispute between two pharmaceutical firms. The matter is currently sub judice.
The Tribune