A disturbing case of alleged medical negligence has emerged from Chaibasa town in Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum district, where five children battling thalassemia have tested HIV-positive, reportedly after receiving blood transfusions from the local Sadar Hospital blood bank.

The incident has sparked public outrage and statewide concern, prompting the Jharkhand Health Department to initiate a high-level inquiry. The case has also reached the Jharkhand High Court, which has sought details from state authorities.

How the incident came to light

The matter surfaced on Friday, when a seven-year-old thalassemia patient was found to be HIV-positive shortly after receiving multiple transfusions at Chaibasa Sadar Hospital. Within 24 hours, four more children receiving similar treatment at the facility tested positive for the virus, deepening the alarm among local families.

Investigation and official response

Health officials have confirmed that a seven-member expert committee has been formed under Dr. Dinesh Kumar, Director of Health Services, to determine how the contamination occurred. The panel includes Dr. Shipra Das, Dr. S.S. Paswan, Dr. Bhagat, Dr. Sushanto Majhee (Civil Surgeon), Dr. Shivcharan Hansda, and Dr. Minu Kumari.

After inspecting the hospital, Dr. Kumar said that “serious irregularities” had been detected at the blood bank and that the responsible officials have been instructed to take immediate corrective measures. “Preliminary findings suggest that contaminated blood may have been transfused to a thalassemia patient. We are verifying all procedures followed during blood collection and screening,” he told reporters.

Public reaction and next steps

The shocking revelation has triggered panic among residents and anguish among families of thalassemia patients, who rely on regular blood transfusions for survival. The district health administration has assured that strict action will be taken against anyone found guilty of negligence.