4 out of 44 blood donors test HIV positive in Jharkhand, spark serious heath concerns
The testing began after five thalassemia-affected children in the area were found HIV positive, reportedly after receiving contaminated blood during transfusions. Chaibasa Sadar Hospital in Jharkhand collected blood from 259 donors for thalassemia patients between 2023 and 2025. So far, 44 samples have been retested and four of them turned out to be positive.
New Delhi: Between 2023 and 2025, Chaibasa Sadar Hospital in Jharkhand collected blood from 259 donors for thalassemia patients. So far, 44 samples have been retested. "Out of these, four donors have tested positive for HIV,” said Jharkhand Health Minister Irfan Ansari on Thursday while speaking to The Indian Express. He added that health officials are now tracing all donors and checking the entire chain of blood transfusions.
"Four donors were confirmed HIV positive,” the minister said and added that the infections seem to have happened before the latest transfusions. However, the entire chain of blood transfusions will be properly investigated, he added. The testing began after five thalassemia-affected children in the area were found HIV positive, reportedly after receiving contaminated blood during transfusions.
"The issue is very serious and is being looked into carefully. Anyone found responsible will face strict action within a month,” Ansari said. He added, "Thalassemia patients depend on regular blood transfusions to survive. They have no choice but to take the blood available. However, that does not excuse carelessness. The system must be completely safe.”
Immediate enquiry ordered
During a surprise visit to Chaibasa Sadar Hospital on Thursday, the minister called the incident a "major failure” and ordered an immediate inquiry. He also said that each affected family has been given a compensation amount of Rs 2 lakh.
When asked about claims by the children’s families that they were not made to sign consent forms before giving blood, Ansari called the statement "incorrect.” However, he said that the investigation team will also verify this part of the complaint.
Opposition calls it state-sponsored crime
Meanwhile, BJP state vice-president Aarti Kujur blamed the Hemant Soren-led government, calling it "anti-tribal.” She announced that the BJP will hold protests across all districts on November 3, describing the event as a "state-sponsored crime.”
"Five tribal children getting HIV-infected blood during treatment is like giving them death instead of care,” Kujur said. "It shows that this government does not value the lives of tribal children or their families.”
She further alleged that the state is "trying to cover up the case by suspending a few people,” while the health minister "is giving political statements” and the chief minister "is silent.” "This is complete insensitivity,” she added. "From the Chaibasa killings in 2020 to this HIV case, the Hemant Soren government has continuously betrayed the Adivasi community.”
In response, Minister Ansari said that the BJP had ruined Jharkhand’s health system during its 20-year rule, and the current government is trying to repair it. "If negligence is proven, I will take personal responsibility for the affected families and ensure strict punishment for whoever is at fault,” he said.