Several children receiving treatment for thalassemia at a government hospital in Jharkhand have tested positive for HIV following blood transfusions. The incident came to light after routine follow up testing revealed HIV infection in multiple children undergoing regular transfusion therapy, prompting immediate concerns over contaminated blood and blood screening failures. Families allege that the hospital is now asking them to sign forms that place responsibility for the infection on them, according to reports by The Indian Express and The Times of India.
Thalassemia is a hereditary blood disorder that requires patients, often children, to receive repeated transfusions to maintain adequate hemoglobin levels. This makes strict screening of donated blood essential for preventing transmission of infections such as HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.
Parents reported that hospital staff asked them to sign forms acknowledging that the responsibility for safety lies with them once they exit the facility after transfusion. According to The Indian Express, families said they refused to sign because they believed the infection resulted from unsafe blood transfusions carried out at the hospital. Some also stated that they were not informed in advance about any changes in protocols or consent procedures.
Hospital officials have not issued a detailed public statement on the contents of the forms or the circumstances under which they were issued. The Jharkhand health department has initiated an inquiry to review blood screening procedures and determine how the transmission occurred.
The case triggered a wider discussion on the quality and safety of blood screening in the state. Reporting by The Times of India noted that the incident has raised concerns about gaps in testing and documentation at blood banks in Jharkhand. Experts quoted in the report highlighted that HIV transmission risk through screened blood is extremely low when protocols are followed, since modern screening uses both serological tests and nucleic acid testing. Any breach in testing or storage procedures can sharply increase risks for high transfusion dependent groups like thalassemia patients.
Government officials stated that disciplinary action will follow the inquiry if lapses are confirmed. They also indicated that blood samples from the children and donors would undergo retesting to verify the source of infection.
As investigations continue, parents of transfusion dependent children across the state expressed fear about continuing treatment. According to MedBound Times’ earlier coverage, families urged authorities to strengthen virus testing, implement audit mechanisms, and ensure accountability to prevent recurrence.
State health authorities have said that they will cooperate with national agencies if required to ensure a transparent review. Civil society groups and patient advocacy organisations are also calling for improved monitoring of blood banks and reassurance to affected families.
Reference:
Cleveland Clinic. “Thalassemias.” Cleveland Clinic Health Library. Last modified June 3, 2022. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14508-thalassemias.
(Rh/ARC/MSM)