Blood Transfusion Tragedy: NHRC Intervenes as Six Children Test HIV Positive in Madhya Pradesh
(By Syed Ali Taher Abedi)
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India, on December 19, 2025, took Suo motu notice of a shocking incident where six children tested HIV-positive after blood transfusions at Satna district hospital in Madhya Pradesh, observing similar lapses reported nationwide.
In a sweeping directive, the Commission issued notices to Chief Secretaries of all States and UTs, demanding detailed reports within four weeks on actions taken or proposed to combat such medical negligence and safeguard vulnerable lives.
The Commission has noted that if the contents of the media report are found to be true, the incident raises serious concerns regarding gross negligence and violation of the human rights of the affected children. The right to safe and quality healthcare, particularly for vulnerable patients such as children suffering from chronic illnesses, is an essential component of the right to life and dignity.
The NHRC has further observed that similar incidents relating to unsafe blood transfusion practices have been reported from various parts of the country, indicating a potentially systemic issue that requires urgent attention.
In view of the seriousness of the matter and its wider implications, the Commission has decided to issue notices to the Chief Secretaries of all States and Union Territories.
They have been directed to submit detailed reports within four weeks, outlining the existing mechanisms to ensure blood safety, as well as the action taken or proposed to be taken to prevent such incidents in the future.
As per the media report published on 16th December 2025, the State authorities have initiated efforts to ascertain whether the blood transfusions linked to the infection occurred exclusively at Satna district hospital or involved other medical institutions as well.
Meanwhile, the hospital authorities have reportedly launched an internal inquiry to examine the circumstances leading to the incident and to identify any lapses in protocol.
The Commission has emphasized the need for accountability, transparency, and strict adherence to medical and ethical standards, particularly in procedures involving blood transfusion, to safeguard the health and human rights of patients across the country.
