Jharkhand HIV Blood Scandal Exposes Statewide Blood Safety Lapses, Authorities Suspend Officials

In Jharkhand, the HIV infection of five thalassemia-affected children following blood transfusions at Chaibasa Sadar Hospital has exposed critical lapses in the state's healthcare and blood safety systems. Investigations revealed the hospital's blood bank had been operating without a valid license since 2008, and testing revealed four blood donors also tested HIV positive, prompting serious concerns about blood screening practices. The Jharkhand High Court reprimanded state officials for failing to follow standard operating procedures and ordered detailed affidavits on blood donation camps, blood demand, and the use of advanced screening technologies like Nucleic Acid Test (NAT), which most state blood banks currently lack. Chief Minister Hemant Soren has ordered suspensions and a state-wide audit of blood banks, along with compensation and ensured treatment for affected families. Experts and political leaders have called for systemic reforms, including centralized supervision of blood banks, mandatory NAT screening, digital tracking of donors, and adherence to national blood policies to prevent future infections and restore public confidence. This incident highlights deep-rooted issues in Jharkhand's health system, particularly impacting vulnerable patients reliant on repeated transfusions.