6 children suffering from thalassemia in Satna are HIV positive
Digital Desk, New Delhi. A very serious case of gross negligence of health system has come to light in Satna District Hospital. Here, not 4 but 6 innocent children suffering from Thalassemia were given HIV infected blood transfusion, due to which all the children became HIV positive.
After this revelation, there has been a stir not only in the district but also in the health department of the entire state. The surprising thing is that despite the case being about 4 months old, the investigation has not been completed yet.
During the review meeting of the case on Monday, Collector Satish Kumar S expressed his deep displeasure over the delay in investigation, strongly reprimanded the responsible officers and directed to submit the report soon. The Collector clarified that the initial information had revealed that 4 children were infected, but in the investigation, 6 children were found to be HIV positive.
Serious allegations against blood bank
According to the information, these children suffering from thalassemia require regular blood transfusion. When routine testing was done after transfusion of blood provided from the blood bank of the district hospital, HIV infection was confirmed in 6 children. The age of the children is said to be between 8 to 12 years. It is alleged that proper blood testing and protocol was not followed by the blood bank.
Revealed in parents' investigation
The Collector said that the parents of one of the 6 children have been found to be HIV positive, while the parents of the remaining 5 children are HIV negative. Due to this, questions have deepened on the role of blood given in the hospital.
State level inquiry ordered
Considering the seriousness of the matter, Health Department Commissioner Tarun Rathi has given instructions to form a 6-member state level inquiry committee. This team is also investigating where blood transfusions were given to children in Jabalpur and other districts apart from Satna.