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English News
Sat, Dec 27, 2025

Satna HIV Case: Blood Bank In-charge, Two Technicians Suspended After Probe; Notice Issued to Former Civil Surgeon

Written by:Gaurav Sharma
Published:
The Madhya Pradesh health department has taken strict action following reports of children contracting HIV from blood transfusions in Satna. Three officials have been suspended and a show-cause notice has been issued to a former civil surgeon based on a preliminary inquiry.
Satna HIV Case: Blood Bank In-charge, Two Technicians Suspended After Probe; Notice Issued to Former Civil Surgeon

SATNA: The Madhya Pradesh government has initiated strict disciplinary action against health officials in Satna district following allegations that contaminated blood transfusions led to children contracting HIV. Acting on the preliminary findings of a state-level inquiry committee, the Department of Public Health and Family Welfare has suspended three officials, including the in-charge of the district hospital’s blood bank.

According to the official order, the suspended personnel include Dr. Devendra Patel, a pathologist who served as the blood bank in-charge, along with two lab technicians, Ram Bhai Tripathi and Nandlal Pandey. The suspension orders were issued after the inquiry committee raised serious concerns regarding the operational protocols and testing procedures at the facility.

Show-Cause Notice Issued

In addition to the suspensions, the department has issued a show-cause notice to Dr. Manoj Shukla, the former Civil Surgeon of the Satna District Hospital. He has been directed to submit a written explanation regarding the lapses. Officials stated that if his response is found unsatisfactory, further strict departmental action will follow.

Probe Findings and Background

The disciplinary measures stem from a preliminary report submitted by a seven-member state-level investigation committee. This panel was constituted on December 16, 2025, under the chairmanship of Dr. Yogesh Bharasat, IAS, CEO of Ayushman Bharat and Director of the State Blood Transfusion Council (SBTC).

Government sources indicated that the committee’s initial findings pointed to significant irregularities in how the blood bank was managed and how screening processes were conducted. This prompted immediate intervention from the state health department.

The investigation was triggered by a shocking revelation earlier this year. Between January and May 2025, six children suffering from Thalassemia—aged between three and 15 years—tested positive for HIV. It is suspected that the infection was transmitted during blood transfusions required for their condition.

While the state government has assured that the affected children are receiving treatment and counseling under specialist supervision, a detailed final report from the investigation committee is still awaited. Health department officials have indicated that further action may be taken once the final conclusions are submitted.