Jharkhand forms 6-member panel to probe HIV blood transfusion case

Thalassemia children infected after transfusion at Chaibasa hospital

Key Points:

• Government forms 6-member team for in-depth investigation.
• Five thalassemia children test HIV-positive after transfusion.
• CM Hemant Soren orders strict action and full accountability.

CHAIBASA – The Jharkhand government has initiated a high-level inquiry into the alleged transfusion of HIV-infected blood to thalassemia children at Chaibasa Sadar Hospital in West Singhbhum district.

The shocking case surfaced after a seven-year-old thalassemia patient tested HIV-positive following a blood transfusion on September 3. Subsequently, four other children receiving regular transfusions at the same hospital also tested positive for HIV.

However, the state health department acted swiftly and constituted a six-member expert committee led by a special secretary. The panel includes officials from the medical education directorate, blood control unit, and Serum & Transfusion Research Laboratory. It will scrutinize all donor records and transfusion processes at the hospital.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Hemant Soren directed strict action against those found guilty and ordered immediate measures to ensure safe blood transfusion across all state hospitals. “Negligence that endangers children’s lives is unacceptable,” a senior health official said.

In addition, the Jharkhand High Court has taken suo motu cognizance of the matter and sought a detailed status report from the government within a week. The court has also asked for complete data on screening procedures and safety audits at the Chaibasa Blood Bank.

Moreover, the blood bank has been placed under restricted operation. Only emergency transfusions are being allowed until the investigation concludes.

According to official health data, West Singhbhum has 515 HIV-positive patients and 56 registered thalassemia children. The health department has now ordered retesting of all affected patients and verification of the blood donor units used in recent months.

Besides, the government has directed preparation of new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for screening, collection, storage, and transfusion of blood across Jharkhand. The six-member committee must submit its findings to the health department within seven days.