Probe Reveals Expired Blood and Fake Records Led to HIV Infection in Five Thalassemia Children
A Madhya Pradesh health department investigation has uncovered severe negligence at Satna’s Vallabhbhai Patel District Hospital and the private Birla Blood Centre, resulting in five children with thalassemia contracting HIV through contaminated blood transfusions. The probe report highlights critical lapses, including the use of expired blood units, falsified donor records, and inadequate testing protocols. Specifically, 35 out of 204 blood units issued to infected children were tested using less sensitive Rapid Card methods instead of mandated CLIA tests due to reagent shortages. Additionally, the Birla Blood Centre operated with a lapsed license and issued expired blood. Donor screening was virtually non-existent, with missing health checks and incomplete questionnaires. Furthermore, HIV-reactive donors were not properly referred to care centers, leaving nine individuals untraceable. The chargesheet implicates the suspended blood bank in-charge, Dr. Devendra Patel, and two lab technicians for failing to maintain proper records, ensuring donor safety, or adhering to the Drug and Cosmetics Act. This case exposes systemic failures in the public health infrastructure responsible for safeguarding vulnerable patients dependent on regular transfusions.
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Probe Reveals Expired Blood and Fake Records Led to HIV Infection in Five Thalassemia Children
A Madhya Pradesh health department investigation has uncovered severe negligence at Satna’s Vallabhbhai Patel District Hospital and the private Birla Blood Centre, resulting in five children with thalassemia contracting HIV through contaminated blood transfusions. The probe report highlights critical lapses, including the use of expired blood units, falsified donor records, and inadequate testing protocols. Specifically, 35 out of 204 blood units issued to infected children were tested using less sensitive Rapid Card methods instead of mandated CLIA tests due to reagent shortages. Additionally, the Birla Blood Centre operated with a lapsed license and issued expired blood. Donor screening was virtually non-existent, with missing health checks and incomplete questionnaires. Furthermore, HIV-reactive donors were not properly referred to care centers, leaving nine individuals untraceable. The chargesheet implicates the suspended blood bank in-charge, Dr. Devendra Patel, and two lab technicians for failing to maintain proper records, ensuring donor safety, or adhering to the Drug and Cosmetics Act. This case exposes systemic failures in the public health infrastructure responsible for safeguarding vulnerable patients dependent on regular transfusions.
The Indian Express