At least five thalassemia-affected minors have allegedly tested HIV positive in Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum district after receiving blood transfusions at Sadar Hospital in Chaibasa, prompting a high-level probe by the state Health Department.

Officials said the first case emerged when a patient, who had received a blood transfusion on September 13, tested HIV positive during a follow-up test on October 18. The child’s father later filed a complaint against a blood bank technician, alleging negligence.

Following media reports, the Jharkhand High Court took suo motu cognizance of the case. A team from the Jharkhand State AIDS Control Society (JSACS), led by Director of Health Services Dr. Dinesh Kumar, visited Chaibasa on October 25 and reportedly found four more HIV-positive children, tak

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