Overview
- Health Minister Irfan Ansari said three of 44 contacted donors from a pool of 259 linked to the Chaibasa blood bank tested HIV positive, with a four-week probe timeline.
- Five officials, including the District Civil Surgeon, have been suspended, and a Union government team has inspected the facilities.
- The High Court took suo motu cognisance, reprimanded officials, and sought affidavits on blood donation camps and the current demand and availability of blood in state hospitals.
- Preliminary inspection reported poor testing protocols, weak supervision, and procedural lapses at the Chaibasa blood bank, prompting a review of SOPs and a halt to rapid test kits locally.
- A parent said one child was diagnosed in September and began ART on September 24, raising questions about when authorities first acknowledged the case.