Overview
- Investigators tied the infections to transfusions at a government hospital blood bank that has operated without a licence since 2023.
- Testing of 44 samples from 259 linked donors identified four HIV-positive results in initial screening.
- The health department has suspended several officials and ordered inspections of all blood banks across the state.
- Experts say screening lapses and limited access to advanced NAT or NAAT testing, concentrated in Ranchi, left patients vulnerable during the early diagnostic window.
- Public-health advocates, including PHO’s Dr I. S. Gilada, urge tougher enforcement, a ban on commercial blood and organ trade, and rehabilitation for professional blood sellers.