What caused five children to contract HIV in Satna?

Five children with thalassemia contracted HIV due to lapses in HIV testing and record-keeping at the Satna district hospital's blood centre during transfusions.

Which officials are being investigated in the Satna HIV case?

The investigation involves Dr. Manoj Shukla (former civil surgeon), Dr. Devendra Patel (pathology specialist), and lab technicians Rambhai Tripathi and Nandlal Pandey.

What are the main lapses found at the Satna blood centre?

Key lapses include inadequate donor records, failure to maintain kit details, and improper HIV testing of blood before transfusions.

Home / Health / HIV scare: Blood transfusion lapses exposed

HIV scare: Blood transfusion lapses exposed

19 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Inadequate donor records and improper HIV testing found.
Five children with thalassemia contracted HIV during transfusions.
Senior hospital staff face action for alleged negligence.

HIV scare: Blood transfusion lapses exposed

A preliminary report from a Madhya Pradesh government inquiry team has revealed severe shortcomings at the Satna district hospital's blood centre, leading to five children with thalassemia contracting HIV through blood transfusions. The investigation highlighted failures in maintaining donor records, tracking test kit details, and conducting mandatory HIV and other tests correctly before transfusions.

Several senior hospital officials have been implicated. Dr. Manoj Shukla, former civil surgeon, faces a show-cause notice for allegedly neglecting his duty to inspect the blood centre and ensure proper testing. Dr. Devendra Patel, pathology specialist and blood bank in-charge, has been suspended for failing to discharge his responsibilities. Lab technicians Rambhai Tripathi and Nandlal Pandey are also cited for improperly testing blood and failing to maintain records.