Five Children Contract HIV After Transfusions in India
A deeply disturbing case of alleged medical negligence has emerged from Chaibasa in Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum district, where at least five children, including a seven-year-old thalassemia patient, have reportedly tested HIV-positive after receiving blood transfusions at the government-run Chaibasa Sadar Hospital.
The situation sparked statewide alarm after the family of the first child raised concerns that HIV-infected blood was transfused at the hospital’s blood bank. A high-level medical team from Ranchi, led by Director of Health Services Dr. Dinesh Kumar, was immediately sent to investigate.
During inspection, officials discovered four more thalassemia-affected children who also tested HIV-positive, bringing the total to five. All had been undergoing regular transfusions at the same hospital.
Preliminary investigations revealed serious irregularities in blood testing, record keeping, and safety protocol compliance at the facility.
Authorities have placed the blood bank under emergency operations and limited its services to critical cases. Investigators also examined the pediatric ICU and spoke with families of the affected children. A report has been submitted to the state health department.
District Civil Surgeon Dr. Sushanto Kumar Majhee confirmed that the probe is ongoing. While early evidence points to contaminated transfusions, he cautioned that the source of infection has not been fully confirmed, and other possible modes of transmission are being assessed.
The incident has triggered public outrage. A complaint has been filed by the family, along with calls for accountability. Local representatives have demanded a high-level inquiry, with one alleging that the case may be linked to a personal dispute involving a blood bank employee.
The Jharkhand High Court has taken cognizance of the incident and requested a detailed report from the state health secretary and district civil surgeon. Officials are now tracing blood donors connected to the transfusions to prevent further spread. Records show West Singhbhum currently has 515 HIV-positive patients and 56 registered thalassemia cases.
Under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), every child has the fundamental right to the highest attainable standard of health, including access to safe medical services, properly supervised treatment, and protection from preventable disease.
This incident, where multiple children reportedly contracted HIV through contaminated blood transfusions, represents a grave violation of that right. Children are entitled to medical care delivered with competence, safety, and dignity, and governments hold the responsibility to ensure hospital systems operate under strict quality, hygiene, and monitoring standards.
