Daijiworld Media Network - Bhopal

Bhopal, Dec 19: The Madhya Pradesh government on Thursday suspended three officials, including the in-charge of a government blood bank, after six children tested HIV positive following alleged transfusion of contaminated blood at hospitals in Satna district, PTI reported.

The decision follows a preliminary report submitted by a committee constituted by the state Public Health and Family Welfare Department to probe the incident. The committee was formed on December 16, after the case came to light.

Dr. Devendra Patel, blood bank in-charge, along with laboratory technicians Ram Bhai Tripathi and Nandlal Pandey, have been placed under immediate suspension. Additionally, a show-cause notice has been issued to Manoj Shukla, former civil surgeon of the district hospital in Satna, seeking a written explanation for alleged lapses, with a warning of strict departmental action if the response is found unsatisfactory.

The six children, aged between 12 and 15 years, were diagnosed HIV positive after receiving blood transfusions at district hospitals in Satna, Jabalpur, and other locations between January and May this year. Officials added that the parents of one of the children have also tested positive for HIV.

All affected children are currently receiving treatment following established HIV protocols. The Madhya Pradesh government has assured further action once the final investigation report is submitted.