The Jharkhand health authorities have suspended the Civil Surgeon of West Singhbhum district and several other officials after five thalassemia-affected children in Chaibasa were found HIV-positive, allegedly following contaminated blood transfusions. A high-level investigation has been initiated under the supervision of the Health Department. Preliminary findings suggest that although the donors’ blood tested HIV-negative at the time of donation, the infection might have been in the window period.
The Health Department has constituted a committee including experts from the Jharkhand State AIDS Control Society and Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences to review blood screening protocols, enforce stricter compliance, and strengthen overall monitoring mechanisms. The state has announced Rs. 2 lakh compensation for each affected family and will bear the full cost of treatment, including…
