License to blood bank is given by:
**Core Concept**
In India, the regulation of blood banks falls under the purview of the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), which is responsible for ensuring the safety and quality of blood and blood products. This mandate is part of the country's efforts to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases through blood transfusions.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The DCGI is empowered to license and regulate blood banks under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and the Rules made thereunder. This includes inspecting blood banks to ensure compliance with standards for blood collection, testing, and storage. The DCGI also monitors the quality of blood products and imposes penalties for non-compliance. By licensing blood banks, the DCGI helps maintain public trust in the blood supply chain and ensures that blood products are safe for transfusion.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option B:** The Director General of Health Services (DGHS) is responsible for overall health policy and administration, but not specifically for licensing blood banks.
**Option C:** The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is a premier medical research organization that provides guidance on medical research and development, but it does not have the authority to license blood banks.
**Option D:** There is no Director General of Blood Bank Services in India, and even if there were, it would not have the authority to license blood banks under the existing regulatory framework.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Blood banks are regulated under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, to ensure the safety and quality of blood products. This regulatory framework is critical for preventing the transmission of infectious diseases through blood transfusions.
**β Correct Answer: A. Drugs controller General of India**