Bhopal, Dec 17: Six children suffering from thalassemia in Madhya Pradesh have tested HIV positive triggering alarm over blood safety protocols and prompting the state government to order a detailed investigation officials said on Tuesday.
The cases came to light between January and May this year and involve children aged between 12 and 15 who require regular blood transfusions as part of life long treatment. Officials suspect the infection may have been transmitted through contaminated blood supplied during transfusions.
According to authorities, the children received blood at Satna District Hospital Jabalpur District Hospital and at least one private medical facility. All the affected children are currently undergoing treatment as per HIV management protocols and are stated to be out of danger.
Health Minister Rajendra Shukla said a comprehensive probe has been ordered to ascertain lapses if any in the transfusion process. “It is also being investigated whether the blood transfusion took place in other hospitals also or only in the government hospital” he told reporters.
Satna Collector and District Magistrate Satish Kumar S said the infections were detected during routine medical testing. “Children suffering from thalassemia were receiving regular blood transfusions. Six of these children were found HIV positive during routine testing” he said.
He added that the transfusions had been carried out at multiple locations. “The affected children received blood transfusions at Satna District Hospital Jabalpur District Hospital and several other locations. The parents of one of these children have also been found HIV positive” the collector said adding that the parents of the remaining five children tested negative.
An internal committee of the hospital has begun an inquiry into the matter which has also been reported to senior officials in the state government. Authorities are examining whether the transfusions were limited to government hospitals or involved other centres as well.
Donor tracing has been initiated as part of the probe but officials said the exercise is proving challenging due to incomplete or outdated donor records.
District Hospital blood bank incharge Devendra Patel said the children were initially HIV negative. “During routine follow-up tests it was found that these children were initially HIV negative and later tested positive” he said adding that investigations are underway to determine the source of infection.
The incident has sparked sharp political reactions with the opposition Congress targeting the state government. Congress MLA and former minister Sachin Yadav demanded the resignation of the health minister and stringent action against those responsible. “The health minister is unable to manage the department. He should resign. A murder case should be filed against those responsible for the Satna incident” he said.
Family members of the affected children have expressed distress over their condition. One relative said the child’s health has deteriorated after starting HIV medication. “After taking the medication for HIV the child starts vomiting feels low and becomes ill” the family member said.
The investigation is ongoing and officials said further action will be taken based on the findings of the probe.
