HIV-Positive Blood Donors Spark Crisis in Jharkhand
In a shocking development, four blood donors in Jharkhand have tested positive for HIV, intensifying fears over blood transfusion safety. This follows reports of five children in the state contracting HIV allegedly through contaminated blood, igniting public outrage and calls for stricter regulation.
The Rising HIV Cases: A Timeline
- Five Children Infected: Earlier this month, five children (aged 4–12) in Una district were diagnosed with HIV after receiving blood transfusions at local hospitals.
- Donors Test Positive: Now, four donors from a Ranchi blood bank have been confirmed HIV-positive, with their blood potentially used in recent transfusions.
Authorities are urgently tracking recipients who may have been exposed, though no additional cases have been confirmed yet.
Why Did This Happen? Lapses in Blood Screening
Health experts blame systemic failures, including:
– Outdated Testing Methods: Many blood banks rely on basic ELISA tests instead of advanced Nucleic Acid Testing (NAT), which detects HIV earlier.
– Regulatory Gaps: Some facilities skip mandatory screenings due to resource shortages or poor oversight.
Dr. Priya Menon, a public health specialist, warns:
“The ‘window period’—when HIV is undetectable via standard tests—lasts 10–14 days. NAT reduces this risk, but rural areas often lack access.”
Public Outrage and Government Response
Activists and citizens demand accountability:
– Ramesh Kumar (Jharkhand Health Rights Network): “Random audits and staff training are non-negotiable.”
– Health Minister Banna Gupta pledged action: “Negligent parties will face consequences.”
Yet, skepticism remains. Social media users accuse officials of “empty promises” after repeated lapses.
Next Steps: NACO Intervention and Reforms
- The National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) will assess Jharkhand’s blood banks.
- Affected families seek compensation and free treatment for infected children.
This crisis underscores India’s urban-rural healthcare divide, where rural facilities often lack basic safety measures. Without reform, such tragedies may persist.
Key Takeaways
✔ Five Jharkhand children + four donors test HIV-positive, exposing transfusion risks.
✔ ELISA tests fail to detect early HIV; experts push for NAT adoption.
✔ Public distrust grows as officials scramble to respond.
— Reporting by NextMinuteNews Jharkhand Bureau
