The Institute of Blood Transfusion Medicine & Immunohematology (IBTM&IH) is a government-run blood bank and transfusion center located in South Dum Dum, Kolkata, India. It operates under the West Bengal Health Department, serving as a central hub for blood collection, testing, component separation, and distribution across the region. The institute is recognized for its vital role in ensuring safe and reliable blood supply in eastern India.

Services and Facilities

IBTM&IH provides comprehensive transfusion services, including donor screening, component separation, and immunohematology testing. It maintains 24×7 operations to ensure continuous support for hospitals and emergency cases. The facility is licensed under DL-5-MB/SLA/CLAA/WB, with oversight from the State Blood Transfusion Council. Specialized services include apheresis and pre-transfusion testing for compatibility assurance.

Organization and Leadership

The institute functions as a government establishment with Dr. K. Halder, MBBS, serving as the nodal officer and director. It collaborates closely with other regional blood banks and healthcare institutions to implement safe transfusion protocols and optimize blood inventory management across Kolkata and West Bengal.

Community Role and Outreach

IBTM&IH is a major contributor to public health in the region, organizing blood donation drives and awareness programs. It plays a crucial part in supporting medical colleges, trauma centers, and emergency healthcare facilities. Reviews note its wide availability of blood components and role as one of the state’s largest blood banks, historically known as the Central Blood Bank of Kolkata.