A major health concern has emerged in Jharkhand after three blood donors from the Chaibasa blood bank in West Singhbhum district were found HIV-positive, Health Minister Irfan Ansari confirmed on Thursday.
The discovery follows the detection of five thalassemia patients testing HIV-positive last week, allegedly after receiving infected blood from the same blood bank.
According to the minister, a total of 259 people donated blood at the Chaibasa blood bank between 2023 and 2025. So far, officials have managed to contact 44 donors, and tests revealed that three donors were HIV-positive.
“We could contact 44 donors out of 259, and three were found to be HIV-positive. Additionally, five members of one donor’s family were also affected,” said Health Minister Irfan Ansari after inspecting the facility.
The health department is now contacting the remaining donors and tracking the source of infection. Officials say the final probe report is expected within four weeks.
Possible Link to Thalassemia Patients
The HIV scare began after five minor thalassemia patients tested positive for HIV. Their families alleged that the infections were caused by tainted blood transfusions from the Chaibasa blood bank.
However, the minister cautioned against jumping to conclusions: “It’s difficult to confirm immediately whether the infection came from the blood bank or elsewhere. We’ll know only after the probe is complete,” Ansari stated.
Thalassemia patients typically require blood transfusions every fortnight, and each patient’s unique blood group adds complexity to tracing donor matches.
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The Jharkhand government has taken the case “very seriously”, with Ansari ordering a statewide audit of all blood banks to identify any lapses in screening and record-keeping.
“We will not spare anyone if found guilty. We’ve already suspended five officials, including the District Civil Surgeon, and arrests will follow if irregularities are proven,” warned the minister.
The suspended officials are accused of negligence in maintaining safety protocols and verifying blood quality during transfusions.
Concerns Over Pregnant Women’s Transfusions
When asked whether pregnant women also received transfusions from the same blood bank, Ansari said that an investigation is underway. The department is reviewing records to identify any additional high-risk transfusions that may have occurred.
Health authorities have begun retesting stored blood samples, reviewing donor documentation, and verifying HIV testing protocols across all state-run facilities.
The minister urged the public to remain calm but vigilant, emphasizing that the health department is prioritizing patient safety and transparency.
