A serious health case from Satna district of Madhya Pradesh has raised questions about the system of the country. After at least six children were found HIV positive during treatment in a government hospital, not only the state government has come into action, but the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has also issued notices across the country considering the matter as serious.
NHRC itself took cognizance, sought reports from all states
The National Human Rights Commission has taken suo moto cognizance (suo moto) on this incident based on media reports. The Commission said that such incidents have come to its notice from other parts of the country. In view of this, the NHRC has sent a notice to the Chief Secretaries of all states and Union Territories and submitted a detailed report within four weeks.
These reports must state that:
- What steps have been taken to prevent such incidents
- What action has been taken or proposed against the culprits?
- How is the blood transfusion system being monitored?
The case happened in the government hospital of Satna
This case is related to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Government Hospital in Satna District. Six children undergoing treatment here, who were receiving regular blood transfusions, were found to be HIV positive in the test. It has been reported that all these children were suffering from a disease like thalassemia, which requires repeated blood transfusions. HIV infection in children was confirmed between January and May, but this case has now come to light.
Action of the state government: three officials suspended
Considering the seriousness of the matter, Madhya Pradesh government has taken immediate steps.
The State Government has:
- Officer-in-Charge of Blood Bank
- Two lab technicians
has been suspended . This action has been taken on the basis of the report of a preliminary inquiry committee, which was constituted to investigate the case.
Suspect of investigation in other hospitals as well
According to a media report dated December 16, the state administration is trying to find out whether:
- Were these children given blood in any other hospital?
- Is the supply of infected blood not done anywhere else?
Along with this, the concerned hospital has also started an internal investigation to clarify where and how the negligence took place.