Five Thalassemia-Affected Children Contract HIV After Blood Transfusions in Jharkhand

A major public health crisis has emerged in Jharkhand's West Singhbhum district, where five children with thalassemia have tested HIV-positive after receiving blood transfusions at a local blood bank. The incident prompted an investigation by a state medical team, which found initial evidence of contaminated blood transfusion and discrepancies at the facility. In response, Chief Minister Hemant Soren ordered the suspension of the district's civil surgeon and other officials, announcing financial aid and full treatment costs for the affected families.