Police File FIR in HIV Blood Transfusion Case Involving Thalassaemia Children
The West Singhbhum police in Jharkhand have taken a significant step in a distressing medical negligence case by lodging a named First Information Report (FIR) against a blood bank technician. The case revolves around the alleged transfusion of HIV-contaminated blood to five children suffering from thalassaemia at the Chaibasa Sadar Hospital.
Complaint and Accusations
Acting on a complaint filed by the families of the five young victims, the police have named Manoj Kumar, the blood bank technician, as the sole accused in the FIR. Tarun Kumar, the officer in-charge of the Sadar police station, confirmed the details, stating that the complainants accused Kumar of gross negligence leading to the transfusion of HIV-infected blood to their wards.
"Only the technician was named as the accused in the complaint. No charges have been levelled against any official of the lab or the hospital," Kumar emphasized, clarifying the scope of the allegations at this initial stage.
Legal Proceedings and Investigation
The FIR registration follows a directive from the Jharkhand High Court, which intervened after hearing a writ petition seeking legal action. Justice Gautam Kumar Chaudhary ordered the officer in-charge to register the FIR and ensure necessary actions against those found guilty. This judicial push underscores the seriousness of the allegations and the need for accountability.
In the complaint process, the mother of one victim lodged the formal grievance, with the families of the other four children serving as witnesses. Police have recorded statements from all parties involved, paving the way for a formal investigation to uncover the facts and determine liability.
Background of the Case
The incident came to light in October 2025 when it was discovered that five thalassaemia patients had received contaminated blood at the Sadar Hospital. In response, the Jharkhand state government took disciplinary action, suspending Dr. Sushanto Majhee, the then West Singhbhum district civil surgeon and hospital in-charge, and removing technician Manoj Kumar from his position.
Earlier, a division bench of the Jharkhand High Court had criticized the state for failing to follow standard operating procedures for blood transfusion, which allegedly contributed to the HIV infections. This highlights systemic issues in healthcare protocols that may have exacerbated the tragedy.
Implications and Next Steps
This case raises critical concerns about medical safety and regulatory compliance in healthcare facilities, particularly for vulnerable patients like children with thalassaemia who require regular blood transfusions. The police investigation will now focus on verifying the allegations, examining evidence, and ensuring justice for the affected families.
As the legal process unfolds, authorities are expected to scrutinize hospital procedures and staff conduct to prevent similar incidents in the future. The outcome could set a precedent for handling medical negligence cases in India, emphasizing the importance of stringent oversight and accountability in public health services.
