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Satna Hospital: Paid Donors Linked to Child HIV Cases
7 Jun
Summary
- Five thalassemia children contracted HIV from district hospital blood transfusions.
- Hospital failed to curb paid blood donors despite government norms.
- Inadequate screening and expired blood units also found in investigations.
An inquiry committee investigating how five thalassemia-affected children contracted HIV in Satna has uncovered significant administrative failures at the district hospital. The committee found that paid professional blood donors were allegedly operating unchecked within the hospital premises.
Authorities failed to adequately publicize free blood donation services and did not impose a ban on paid donations, despite government norms promoting voluntary blood donation. An FIR has been registered by the district administration due to these issues.
Further findings revealed that hospital administration failed to prevent the unrestricted movement of unauthorized individuals and did not ensure adequate security. Inspections of the Hemoglobinopathy Centre, ICTC, ART Centre, and Blood Centre were also inadequate.
Previous investigations by the Directorate of Public Health and Medical Education had already pointed to issues like unmaintained donor records, incomplete questionnaires, and blood collection without mandatory health screening. Some blood units were allegedly tested using less sensitive methods due to reagent unavailability.
The inquiry also examined a private blood center whose license had expired, finding instances of expired blood units being issued. Donors testing HIV-reactive were reportedly not referred to counseling centers as required.
