Five Thalassemia Patients in Madhya Pradesh Test HIV-Positive After Transfusions

Five children with thalassemia in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh have tested HIV-positive after receiving blood transfusions, prompting a formal review of blood safety and donor screening in the region.

In Satna district, the youngsters are aged 3 to 15. They received multiple transfusions from different donors at several facilities between January and May 2025, highlighting questions about how donated blood is screened before use.

What happened

Authorities say the five cases involve transfusions from several centers, including government hospitals and private clinics. Each unit of blood should be tested and cleared before use, but officials caution that early infections may not be detected during the initial screening window.

A government committee has been formed to investigate possible gaps in the process and identify steps to prevent a recurrence.

Family details and transmission

In one family, both parents are HIV-positive, while in the other cases the parents tested negative, reducing concerns about mother-to-child transmission. Health officials note that children who require multiple transfusions are at higher risk and undergo routine HIV testing.

Earlier incident in Jharkhand

The Madhya Pradesh cases follow a similar episode in the eastern state of Jharkhand, where five children under eight contracted HIV after transfusions at a state-run hospital. Authorities in Jharkhand suspended staff involved and launched an inquiry; the government also announced financial assistance of ₹2,00,000 per affected family.

National context and response

India continues to face HIV, with millions living with the virus and thousands of new infections each year. Activists are urging Parliament to pass the National Blood Transfusion Bill 2025 to strengthen oversight of blood collection, testing, and transfusion services, ensuring safer care for patients who rely on regular transfusions.

Impact on families

Families describe stigma and limited access to quality health facilities, especially in rural areas. Health workers say the affected children are receiving treatment, including antiretroviral therapy where appropriate, as investigations continue.

Expert commentary

Dr. Anil Verma, a public health expert, notes that despite routine testing, the donor window period can allow HIV to go undetected. He urges stronger screening, better donor tracing, and swift investigations to safeguard patients.

Summary

The Madhya Pradesh cases echo the Jharkhand incident and highlight gaps in blood safety that affect patients who depend on regular transfusions. A government probe is underway, and lawmakers are reviewing reforms in the National Blood Transfusion Bill 2025 to tighten oversight. Families face stigma, but treatment for those affected continues as investigations proceed.

Key takeaway: Strengthening blood collection, testing, and transfusion safeguards is essential to protect patients who rely on regular transfusions. Source: BBC News

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