Chennai: The shocking incident of HIV infected blood transfusion to an eight month pregnant woman at Sattur government hospital in the State echoed in the Assembly on Saturday evoking an assurance from the government on initiating stern action on those responsible for this ‘negligence.’
Responding to a special call attention motion moved by the opposition DMK in the Assembly, Health Minister Dr. C. Vijayabaskar said stringent action would be initiated against senior officials in connection with the transfusion of HIV infected blood to a pregnant woman at the state-run hospital in Sattur on Dec. 3, once the ongoing inqiury was over.
Explaining the circumstances leading to the ‘unexpected’ incident, the Minister said following the shocking report in the media, Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami ordered the Joint Director of Medial Services, Virudhunagar, to conduct an enquiry and immediately it was found that the 19-year-old youth whose blood was issued, had donated blood twice two years ago. Though it was then found that he was infected with HIV, attempts by counsellers to contact him failed as he remained elusive and had claimed he was in Bengaluru or out of station.
“Despite the enforcement of stringent rules and guidelines stipulated by the National Aids Control Organisation (NACO), lapses have happened. Realising this, three persons were initially suspended and after confirmation of negligence were dismissed,” Dr. Vijayabaskar said. Now a thorough enquiry is being conducted by the Additional Director of Medical Services Dr. S. Madhavi into the HIV infected blood transfusion case, to ascertain where the lapse occurred in certifying the blood to be safe.
“Whoever is involved in this will definitely face stringent action,” he said and described the incident as “shocking.” The 24-year old woman was administered the infected blood as doctors found her to be anaemic.
The youth, attempted suicide after learning about his health status, and died at a hospital on Sunday.
Earlier, raising the issue, Leader of the Opposition and president of DMK M. K. Stalin, demanded action against all those responsible for certifying and issuing the infected blood.
DMK member K.K.S.S.R. Ramachandran said the incident has altered the life of an innocent woman and demanded job opportunity for her husband, and proper health care to her and the foetus.
