Mail News Service
Ranchi/Chaibasa, Nov 1: Jharkhand health minister Irfan Ansari made a strong statement over the alleged HIV blood transfusion incident reported from Chaibasa Sadar Hospital, terming it a “conspiracy to malign the image of the health department.”
Speaking to media persons, Ansari said, “Some elements in the Opposition, and even a few within my own party, are deliberately trying to defame the health department for political gains. We have taken the Chaibasa case very seriously, but attempts are being made to blow it out of proportion for vested interests.”
The controversy erupted after reports of transfusion of HIV positive blood to five children at the Sadar Hospital in Chaibasa.
The incident sparked widespread outrage, with Opposition parties demanding the minister’s resignation and an independent probe.
DlAnsari, however, emphasized that the government had already ordered a high-level investigation. “A detailed inquiry is underway. The health of our citizens is our utmost priority. We will not spare anyone found guilty of negligence,” he said, adding that the department has tightened screening and testing protocols for all blood units across Jharkhand.
He further urged the public not to fall prey to misinformation. “The health department has made major strides in improving public healthcare and diagnostic facilities across the state. This one incident, while unfortunate, is being used by some to damage our credibility. The truth will come out soon,” he added.
According to official sources, a three-member committee from the State AIDS Control Society and the Directorate of Health Services has been sent to Chaibasa to verify facts, audit blood bank records, and collect samples for testing.
Meanwhile, Opposition parties have demanded that the case be investigated by an independent agency, alleging “criminal negligence” on the part of hospital authorities.
The Chaibasa HIV case has once again raised questions over blood safety protocols in Jharkhand’s government-run hospitals, prompting the health department to issue fresh advisories for all district blood banks to strictly adhere to NACO (National AIDS Control Organisation) guidelines.
