Blood-trafficking racket exposed at Jabalpur Medical College:Ward boys brokers caught on camera striking deals with patients; dean warns of action

A major blood trafficking racket has been uncovered at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Medical College in Jabalpur — the largest hospital in the Mahakaushal region. Ward boys and brokers were caught striking deals with patients and taking money in exchange for arranging blood. The racket extended to charging patients for treatment and medical reports. Dainik Bhaskar’s sting operation captured ward boys taking money on camera. Police say the network involves several hospital staff and outsiders. Sting operation exposes blood deals Dainik Bhaskar’s team conducted a sting operation inside the medical college to uncover the illegal sale of blood. In the video, three ward boys were seen accepting cash from brokers. One ward boy, seen taking money from a man on a scooter, said, “Everyone has to be taken along.” Investigations revealed that all three are employees of the medical college — some permanent, others working on contract. Poor patients targeted for money According to social worker Jayant Girdhare, most patients at the college come from poor families. Ward boys know every patient’s details — who needs blood, whose reports are pending, and whose treatment is delayed. They pass this information to brokers, who then demand money from patients. “Ward boys and brokers have turned patients’ helplessness into a business,” said Girdhare. “They exploit those who are already struggling for survival.” How blood is bought and sold Sources revealed that some ward boys work in groups and share patient details with outside agents. These brokers then sell one unit of blood for Rs 2,000 to Rs 5,000, depending on urgency. Earlier, on the complaint of a social organisation, three brokers — Annu, Johnson and Anshul Tiwari — were caught with the help of hospital security guards. During interrogation, they revealed that ward boys and blood bank staff were also part of this illegal business. Past cases ignored This is not the first time such a case has been reported. In June 2024, two ward boys were caught taking money from three patients for arranging blood. The hospital superintendent dismissed them and also suspended two supervisors. However, the illegal practice continued. Money taken for reports and treatment Another video from the same hospital shows ward boys taking bribes from patients to let them meet doctors faster. A female patient said, “We were in line since 11 a.m., and it was 3 p.m. when our turn still hadn’t come. But those who gave money to the ward boy were taken directly to the doctor.” This shows how extortion in the hospital extends beyond blood sales — patients are forced to pay for basic services. Chain of exploitation Ilvinder Singh, another member of the social group, said the brokers exploit both patients and blood donors. “They pay some people to donate blood and sell that blood to others for a profit. The chain includes external brokers, ward boys, and even some blood bank employees,” he said. The organisation has lodged a formal complaint with the local police. Dean orders CCTV surveillance Dr. Navneet Saxena, Dean of the Medical College, has issued strict orders after the revelations. He said that blood will now only be issued from the blood bank in the presence of a postgraduate doctor. “If any hospital employee is found involved in this business, strict action will be taken,” Dr. Saxena said. CCTV surveillance has been increased, and the Pathology Department has been asked to conduct a full inquiry. Police confirm involvement of staff ASP Suryakant Sharma confirmed that the three arrested brokers have revealed names of hospital employees linked to the racket. “This is a large network involving many insiders and outsiders. Investigation is underway, and strict action will follow against those found guilty,” he said.