Satna HIV Case: Government’s big action on negligence, 3 including blood bank in-charge suspended, notice to former civil surgeon

In Satna district of Madhya Pradesh, the state government has adopted a strict stance in the matter of transfusion of infected blood to children suffering from thalassemia. Taking immediate action on this serious negligence, the Health Department has suspended three employees including the blood bank in-charge of the district hospital. This action has been taken on the basis of the preliminary report of the state level committee formed to investigate the matter.

According to the order issued by the Public Health and Family Welfare Department, Dr. Devendra Patel, pathologist and blood bank in-charge of Satna District Hospital, has been suspended. Apart from them, two lab technicians, Ram Bhai Tripathi and Nandlal Pandey have also been suspended. The administration has made it clear that those who play with the lives of patients will not be spared.

Answer sought from former civil surgeon

Expanding the scope of departmental action, the government has also targeted Dr. Manoj Shukla, the then civil surgeon of Satna District Hospital. Show cause notice has been issued to them. The department has sought written clarification from Dr. Shukla. The officials have clarified that if their answers are not found satisfactory, strict disciplinary action will be taken against them.

The investigation committee’s report became the basis

The state government had constituted a high-level committee on 16 December 2025 to investigate this entire matter. This seven-member committee is headed by Dr. Yogesh Bharsat (IAS), CEO of Ayushman Bharat and Director of State Blood Transfusion Council (SBTC). According to sources, the committee in its preliminary report has found serious flaws in the operation of the blood bank and the procedures of blood testing. Based on this report, this suspension order has been issued.

What is the whole matter?

This issue raising questions on the health system in Satna came to light when HIV infection was confirmed in some children suffering from thalassemia. According to the information, between January and May 2025, six children aged 3 to 15 years were found HIV infected. It was suspected that the blood transfused to these children was infected.

As soon as the matter came to light, there was a stir and the government immediately ordered an investigation. At present, the administration says that the treatment and counseling of the affected children is being done under the supervision of experts. Health department officials said that a detailed investigation is still going on and after the final report comes, more strict action can be taken against the culprits.