Six Thalassemia Patients in Jharkhand Contract HIV from Blood Transfusions

Six children with thalassemia in Jharkhand have tested positive for HIV after receiving blood transfusions from infected sources. The incident, which occurred in the West Singhbhum district, has led to a significant government response, including the suspension of key health officials and an ongoing investigation.

The situation came to light following a routine follow-up test on October 18, 2023, when a seven-year-old patient, who had received a blood transfusion at a local blood bank in Chaibasa on September 13, was found to be HIV positive. This prompted the child’s family to lodge a complaint against a blood bank technician, citing negligence.

In response, a five-member medical team, led by Director of Health Services Dr. Dinesh Kumar, confirmed that five additional children had also contracted HIV. The civil surgeon of West Singhbhum, Dr. Sushanto Kumar Majhi, has been suspended as part of the government’s accountability measures. He reported that four of the infected children are from West Singhbhum, while two are from the nearby Seraikela-Kharsawan district.

The investigation has identified 32 blood donors linked to the initial case. Blood samples from these donors are currently being collected for testing to ascertain the source of the infection. Dr. Majhi noted that there are currently 417 HIV positive patients receiving treatment at the district’s ART centre, with a concerning history of 65 deaths among HIV patients and 70 others who have relocated.

In a decisive move, Hemant Soren, the Chief Minister of Jharkhand, has mandated an audit of all blood banks in the state, requiring a report within five days. He announced that the state government would provide ₹2 lakh (approximately $2,400) in financial assistance to each affected family and cover the full cost of treatment for the infected children.

Dr. Dinesh Kumar’s team has begun inspecting the blood bank at Sadar Hospital and the pediatric intensive care unit. Preliminary findings have revealed discrepancies within the blood bank’s operations. Recommendations for improving sterilization processes and ensuring proper certification have been made to prevent future incidents.

Thalassemia is a genetic disorder characterized by the body’s inability to produce adequate levels of hemoglobin, necessitating regular blood transfusions for affected individuals. The recent HIV cases underscore the critical need for stringent safety protocols in blood donation and transfusion practices.

The Jharkhand High Court has also taken notice of the incident, seeking a comprehensive report from the state’s health secretary. Authorities are under pressure to ensure accountability and maintain public trust in healthcare services.