Four Children Test HIV Positive After Blood Transfusions At MP Hospital; Doctor Suspended

Last Updated:December 19, 2025, 13:20 IST

Four children with thalassaemia at a government hospital in Satna tested HIV positive after blood transfusions, prompting suspensions and a multi-agency investigation.

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Four children undergoing treatment for thalassaemia in Madhya Pradesh’s Satna have tested positive for HIV following blood transfusions at a government hospital prompting authorities to suspend the doctor involved in the procedure.

The infections at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Government Hospital came to light on December 16, when screening confirmed that the children suffering from thalassaemia, an inherited blood disorder, had tested HIV positive.

The children are believed to have contracted HIV after receiving contaminated blood transfusions between January and May this year, India Today reported.

According to Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) of Satna, Dr Manoj Shukla, children with thalassaemia require repeated blood transfusions, placing them in a high-risk category.

He added that antiretroviral therapy (ART) was started immediately following the HIV diagnosis. Dr. Shukla also noted that all blood supplied by the bank is tested according to National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) guidelines, and any contaminated samples are supposed to be destroyed.

Given the seriousness of the incident, which officials called an “extremely sensitive matter," a joint investigation team from the Central and State health departments visited the hospital to probe the circumstances under which HIV-infected blood was transfused.

Madhya Pradesh Public Health and Family Welfare Department constituted a six-member committee for investigation on December 16. Teams from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), along with state-level committees, are also examining licensing, monitoring mechanisms and blood bank operations.

Dr. Yogesh, Chairman of the State Medical Team, said the panel is conducting a fact-finding exercise to determine the exact sequence of events. He emphasized that the investigation is being carried out with strict confidentiality and that conclusions will be reached only after the probe is completed.

The Madhya Pradesh government on Thursday suspended the blood bank in-charge, Dr Devendra Patel, and two laboratory technicians, following an India Today report on the infections and based on the committee’s preliminary findings.

A show-cause notice was issued to Dr. Manoj Shukla, former Civil Surgeon of the district hospital, directing him to provide a written explanation. Officials cautioned that strict departmental action would be taken if his response is deemed unsatisfactory.

The incident has sparked political and public outrage. The Congress staged a sit-in protest outside the Satna District Hospital, alleging gross negligence by authorities and demanding accountability.

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