A seven-year-old child suffering from thalassemia in West Singhbhum, Jharkhand, has tested positive for HIV, leading to serious allegations that a local blood bank supplied contaminated blood. The issue came to notice on Friday after the child’s family claimed that the infection occurred due to the blood provided by the bank. The child has reportedly received around 25 units of blood since the treatment began.
Investigation Begins in Chaibasa
A five-member medical team from Ranchi reached Chaibasa, the district headquarters, on Saturday to look into the matter, said district civil surgeon Dr. Sushanto Majhee. As part of the investigation, the team visited both Sadar Hospital and the Chaibasa blood bank. In addition, a three-member local committee, led by Dr. Minu, the District Reproductive and Child Health (DRCH) officer, was set up to conduct a detailed probe. The committee is expected to submit its report soon after completing the inquiry.
Blood Donors to Be Tested
Dr. Majhee mentioned that the blood donors whose samples were used for the child’s transfusions will be tested before reaching any conclusion. “The boy, who lives in a rural area under the Manjhari police station limits, has tested HIV positive. However, it is too early to say that the infection came from the blood supplied by the bank,” he said. He also added that HIV infection can happen due to other reasons, such as contact with contaminated needles.
