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Ranchi, October 27 (IANS) Several children suffering from thalassemia tested HIV positive after blood transfusion at Chaibasa Sadar Hospital in Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum district, exposing serious lapses and negligence in the state’s health system, sparking a wave of anger and outrage among residents.
Punitive action was taken when children affected by thalassemia were found to be HIV positive a few days after blood transfusion. Now the Health Department has formed a six-member inquiry committee to investigate the matter.
This committee, headed by Dr. Neha Arora, Special Secretary of the department, will thoroughly review the entire process of blood collection, testing, storage and distribution in Chaibasa Sadar Hospital Blood Bank.
The committee includes Health Services Director Dr. Siddharth Sanyal, Medical Education Director Dr. SK Singh, RIMS Blood Bank in-charge Dr. Sushma Kumari, Drug Control Directorate Joint Director Ritu Sahay and Dr. Amarendra Kumar as members. The committee has been instructed to complete the investigation within 7 days and submit a detailed report.
A day earlier, Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren suspended Chaibasa Civil Surgeon Dr Sushanto Kumar Majhi with immediate effect for a major mistake which has put the lives of many people in danger.
Jharkhand High Court also took suo motu cognizance of the matter and ordered an investigation. After this, a five-member team led by State Health Services Director Dr. Dinesh Kumar inspected the blood bank, PICU ward and lab.
According to preliminary investigation findings, serious irregularities in blood testing, record maintenance and transfusion procedures led to irregularities.
At least seven thalassemia positive children are believed to have been exposed to HIV infection through contaminated blood. The government has announced financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh each to the affected families and will take the responsibility of treating all infected children at the state level.
Chief Minister Hemant Soren has described the incident as extremely painful and unacceptable and said that strict action will be taken against the guilty officials.
The state health department has also issued instructions to audit all the blood banks of the state and submit the report within five days.
–IANS
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