Thalassemia children test HIV positive, no action for 9 months:5 children exposed to 200 blood donors; 189 blood units transfused from three blood banks

Satna police and health authorities are investigating after five children with thalassemia were given HIV-positive blood during transfusions. Official records show the problem was known about nine months ago, but no action was taken, and those responsible have not yet been identified. Reports say the children came in contact with around 200 blood donors, and a total of 189 units of blood were transfused from three different blood banks. The government has now set up separate investigation teams at both the state and district levels. First HIV Positive Case Reported in March
The Health Department received information for the first time on March 20, 2025, about a 15-year-old girl suffering from thalassemia being HIV positive. The minor had reached the district hospital for blood transfusion, where her report came back positive during testing. After the case came to light, more children were tested. During the tests, HIV infection was confirmed in two 9-year-old thalassemia-affected children on March 26 and 28. Subsequently, on April 3, the report of the 15-year-old fourth thalassemia-affected minor also came back HIV positive. Following this, an urgent investigation into blood donors and transfusion records was initiated. 3-Year-Old Girl Was Already HIV Positive
According to government records, on April 1, a 3-year-old thalassemia-affected girl was also found to be HIV positive. The parents of this girl are also HIV positive. The health department has clarified that this case is separate from the other 4 children. Blood Taken from Three Different Blood Banks
According to government records, all four affected children received blood transfusions at the District Hospital, Birla Hospital, and Jabalpur. Dr. Devendra Patel, in-charge of the District Hospital’s blood bank, stated that the maximum blood transfusions for all four children were done from the District Hospital’s blood bank. Additionally, blood was also taken from Birla Hospital and Jabalpur’s blood bank. Blood Bank In-charge Says – Infection Does Not Occur Merely by Blood Transfusion
According to Dr. Devendra Patel, Blood Bank In-charge and Pathologist, it is not appropriate to say that HIV infection can only occur from transfusing HIV-infected blood. There are 4 such reasons, including blood transfusion, that can cause HIV infection. For example, HIV can also occur from infected needles, from parents, or through sexual transmission. Dr. Devendra Patel stated that infection in any HIV patient is not immediately detected at the beginning. It can take 1 to 3 months for the infection to appear in a normal test (CLIA). Confirmation is obtained within 7-14 days with a NAT machine. If the CLIA test does not work, then testing is done with an antigen kit.
Showcause notice to Nodal Officer of District AIDS Control Society
In the matter, the Civil Surgeon has issued a show-cause notice to Dr. Pooja Gupta, the Nodal Officer of the District AIDS Control Society. The Civil Surgeon stated that it was her responsibility to apprise them of the factual situation, but she failed to do so. Dr. Gupta has been instructed to provide an explanation within three days. According to sources, the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) has also taken cognizance of the entire matter. Reports are continuously being sought from state and central levels. 150 donors tested, all reports negative
After HIV infection was detected in thalassemia-affected children, questioning has begun with those blood donors whose blood was transfused to these children. From Bhopal, Health Minister Rajendra Shukla has sought information on the entire matter from In-charge CMHO Dr. Manoj Shukla. Meanwhile, Health Commissioner Tarun Rathi and Drug Controller Dinesh Srivastava of the Food and Drug Administration have also sought full details. State-level 6-member investigation team formed
On the instructions of the Health Minister, the Health Commissioner has formed a 6-member state-level investigation team. The team includes Dr. S.B. Avadhiya, Regional Director (Health) Rewa Division; Dr. Ruby Khan, Deputy Director SBTC/Blood Cell; Dr. Romesh Jain, Blood Transfusion Specialist AIIMS Bhopal; Dr. Seema Naved, Senior Blood Transfusion Medicine and Blood Center Bhopal; Sanjeev Jadon, Senior Drug Inspector Hoshangabad; and Priyanka Choubey, DI Satna. This team will reach Satna on Wednesday and conduct the investigation. Civil Surgeon also formed a separate investigation committee
Civil Surgeon Dr. Shukla has also formed an investigation committee at his level. It includes Pediatrician Dr. Sandeep Dwivedi (In-charge Thalassemia, Sickle Cell), Pathologist Dr. Devendra Patel, and Assistant Manager Dr. Dhirendra Verma. This team will have to submit a detailed report within three days.