Six children being treated for thalassaemia at a government hospital in Madhya Pradesh’s Satna district have tested positive for HIV, prompting an official investigation into possible contamination during blood transfusions carried out earlier this year.
The affected children, aged between 12 and 15, require regular blood transfusions to manage their inherited blood disorder. Health authorities confirmed the HIV diagnoses in December 2025 after routine testing.
The transfusions linked to the infections took place at Satna District Hospital between January and May.Parents of the children have tested negative for the virus, strongly indicating transmission through contaminated blood units supplied to the hospital.
Thalassaemia patients are particularly vulnerable as they depend on frequent transfusions throughout their lives.Madhya Pradesh Health Minister Rajendra Shukla announced the formation of a three-member expert committee to examine the incident. He stated: “A three-member committee has been formed to investigate the matter.”
The panel is tasked with reviewing blood screening procedures and identifying any lapses in protocol.Opposition leaders have condemned the development as evidence of negligence.
Former chief minister and Congress leader Kamal Nath described it as a grave failure, saying: “This is a serious lapse in blood safety protocols and the government must take strict action.”
He called for immediate suspension of responsible staff and financial compensation for the affected families.Advocates for thalassaemia patients expressed outrage at the recurring nature of such cases.
National Thalassaemia Welfare Society spokesperson Anubha Taneja noted: “Such incidents expose systemic failures in blood bank safety for vulnerable children.” She highlighted that mandatory Nucleic Acid Testing, which detects HIV earlier than conventional methods, is not uniformly implemented across government blood banks despite guidelines.
The state health department maintains that standard screening was conducted on all donated units but has pledged full cooperation with the inquiry. Officials are also arranging specialised antiretroviral treatment and counselling for the children and their families.
This episode follows similar reports of transfusion-related HIV infections in other parts of India, raising broader concerns about blood safety infrastructure. Experts point to shortages of advanced testing equipment and occasional reliance on replacement donors as contributing factors.
The investigation is expected to submit findings within weeks, potentially leading to disciplinary measures and policy changes. In the meantime, hospitals in the region have been directed to strengthen verification of blood units.Families of the children have demanded transparency and lifelong medical support.
Written by Were Kelly
Sources: The Hindu, Indian Express, PTI, Times of India, NDTV.
