Following a probe panel's preliminary findings, Madhya Pradesh has suspended the blood bank in-charge and two lab technicians at Satna's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Government Hospital, where six thalassemia children contracted HIV from infected blood transfusions. A show-cause notice was issued to the former civil surgeon.
This update follows the state government's formation of a committee on December 16, 2025, to investigate HIV infections among six thalassemia patients treated at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Government Hospital in Satna district. The infections occurred after blood transfusions between January and May 2025; parents of one child were also affected.
On December 18, based on the committee's preliminary report, blood bank in-charge Dr. Devendra Patel and lab technicians Ram Bhai Tripathi and Nandlal Pandey were suspended. Former civil surgeon Manoj Shukla received a show-cause notice, with warnings of further action if his explanation is unsatisfactory.
All affected individuals are receiving HIV protocol treatment. Officials have confirmed six child cases, superseding earlier reports of four. The incident exposes gaps in public blood bank screening and has spurred demands for comprehensive audits.
