Government bans 'blood art' across Tamil Nadu

The Tamil Nadu government banned 'blood art' across the state on Wednesday. Health minister Ma Subramanian told reporters in Trichy that criminal action would be initiated against those involved in such art.
"A new culture of drawing blood and drawing portraits has been in vogue in Tamil Nadu. It is condemnable. Blood donation is sacred. Drawing blood for such frivolous purposes is not acceptable," said Subramanian.
He said the process of drawing blood was not done as per protocol and done so under unhygienic conditions. Moreover, the needle may be used for several people, exposing them to the hazard of possible infections.
"As soon as I got the alert, health teams visited outlets in T Nagar and Vadapalani in Chennai and seized bottles in which the blood was stored, syringes and art materials. I warned them against pursuing such art," said Subramanian.
"So, from today, blood art is banned and if anyone continues to do so, we will take due action. I appeal to youngsters not to indulge in it," he said.