Overview
- Health officials are tracing 259 donors linked to 2023–25 transfusions, with 44 retested so far and four found HIV-positive, the state health minister said.
- The Jharkhand High Court took suo motu cognisance, sought SOPs and blood demand–supply data, and questioned the absence of NAT screening machines as senior officials appeared in person.
- The state suspended the West Singhbhum civil surgeon and other staff, ordered audits of all blood banks, and directed an immediate halt to rapid test kits pending protocol review.
- Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar urged action beyond suspensions and said effective measures must follow the ongoing investigation.
- Parents of affected children allege donor registration and pre-donation screening were skipped at the Chaibasa blood bank, which authorities say is under active probe.