Jharkhand High Court unleashed its wrath on systemic healthcare failures after five young thalassemia patients at Chaibasa Sadar Hospital were infected with HIV via tainted blood. Justice Gautam Kumar Choudhary, presiding over Deepak Hembrom’s urgent writ, commanded instant FIR lodging by local police.
Described as profound carelessness, the incident involved 2025 transfusions to kids aged 5-7 from economically weak backgrounds. Now, these families endure profound physical, emotional, and monetary hardships amid the virus’s relentless grip.
Explicit orders: Petitioners apply for FIR at the station; in-charge acts ‘immediately.’ Submit FIR copies with replies to court. The plea highlighted blood bank malpractices, urging SIT formation for a thorough probe under court watch.
State compensation of Rs 2 lakhs each falls short, petitioners argue, dwarfed by perpetual antiretroviral therapy expenses. This tragedy amplifies calls for blood safety revolutions—mandatory screenings, audits, and penalties.
As the legal machinery gears up, this case may catalyze policy shifts, safeguarding vulnerable patients and restoring faith in Jharkhand’s overburdened health system.