Madhya Pradesh Forms Committee to Investigate HIV Infection Cases

The government of Madhya Pradesh has established a committee to investigate a troubling case involving six children who tested positive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The infections are reportedly linked to contaminated blood transfusions at the Satna district hospital and other medical facilities in the region. The formation of the six-member panel was announced on Tuesday by Tarun Rathi, Commissioner of the Public Health and Medical Education Department.

The committee, led by Dr. Satya Awadhiya, Regional Director of the Rewa Division, has been instructed to deliver a comprehensive report within seven days. The affected children, aged between three and 15 years and suffering from thalassaemia, were diagnosed with HIV between January and May 2025, although the case only came to public attention this week.

In a statement, Rajendra Shukla, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Health, confirmed that the children are currently receiving treatment at the Integrated Counselling and Testing Centre, with oversight from central government agencies. Shukla noted that the State has formed a separate committee to investigate the matter thoroughly and trace the blood donors involved.

“The children suffering from thalassaemia require blood transfusions two to three times a month,” Shukla explained. “It’s important to note that blood may come from various sources. Some children had also received transfusions in Jabalpur and at private centres. This committee will investigate all avenues, and the facts will be established.”

He emphasized that, while blood donors undergo testing, the committee is tasked with determining the circumstances that led to this situation. Shukla assured that appropriate action will be taken if negligence is discovered at any level within the healthcare system.

Additionally, Satna Collector Satish Kumar S. indicated that an internal investigation is underway at the hospital to examine the case further. Dr. Manoj Shukla, the chief medical and health officer and civil surgeon of the Satna district hospital, has issued a show cause notice to the nodal officer of the National AIDS Control Organisation for failing to report the case, even as efforts to trace the donors were already in motion. Notably, it was revealed that the parents of one of the infected children were already living with HIV.

The committee includes several experts: Ruby Khan, Deputy Director of the State Blood Transfusion Council; Romesh Jain, a blood transfusion specialist at AIIMS Bhopal; Seema Naved of the Bhopal Memorial Hospital and Research Centre; Sanjeev Jadon, senior drug inspector of the Food and Drug Administration in Hoshangabad; and Priyanka Choubey, drug inspector in Bhopal.

As investigations proceed, the Madhya Pradesh government aims to ensure the safety of blood transfusions and restore public confidence in the healthcare system.