Six children test HIV positive in Satna, MP govt suspends blood bank in-charge and two technicians

Bhopal: The Madhya Pradesh government has suspended three health personnel, including a blood bank in-charge, after six children tested positive for HIV at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Government Hospital in Satna district, a senior official said on Thursday.

The suspensions were ordered following the findings of a preliminary inquiry into the alleged transfusion of contaminated blood. The probe committee was constituted by the state Public Health and Family Welfare Department on December 16 to investigate the matter.

Based on the committee’s initial report, blood bank in-charge Dr Devendra Patel and laboratory technicians Ram Bhai Tripathi and Nandlal Pandey have been placed under suspension. In addition, a show-cause notice has been served on Manoj Shukla, a former civil surgeon of the district hospital, seeking a written explanation for his role in the case.

Officials said Shukla has been cautioned that strict departmental action will follow if his response is found to be unsatisfactory.

The six affected children, aged between 12 and 15 years, were detected HIV positive after they allegedly received infected blood during transfusions at district hospitals in Satna, Jabalpur and other locations. In one case, the parents of a child were also found to be HIV positive, officials had earlier confirmed.

The incidents are reported to have taken place between January and May this year. All the children are currently undergoing treatment in line with established HIV management protocols, the official added.

(with inputs from agencies)