The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India has taken suo motu cognisance of a media report that at least six children became HIV positive after receiving blood transfusions at Satna District Hospital in Madhya Pradesh.
The affected children, who were being treated for thalassaemia, a condition requiring periodic blood transfusions, were found to be HIV positive between January and May 2025, though the matter has only recently come to light.
The Commission observed that if the contents of the report are true, the incident raises serious human rights concerns for the victims. Noting that similar incidents have been reported from different parts of the country, NHRC has issued notices to the Chief Secretaries of all States and Union Territories.
The authorities have been asked to submit detailed reports within four weeks, outlining action taken or proposed to deal with the issue.
According to the media report carried on December 16, 2025, state authorities are making efforts to determine whether the blood transfusions took place in other hospitals as well. The hospital involved has initiated an internal investigation into the matter.
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