COIMBATORE : A 40-year-old weaver has approached Coimbatore District Collector Pavankumar G Giriyappanavar, alleging that his daughter contracted HIV after receiving a blood transfusion at Coimbatore Medical College and Hospital (CMCH).
The man, accompanied by his wife and three children, submitted the complaint during the district administration’s public grievance meeting and sought a detailed inquiry and compensation.
Girl Received Blood Transfusion in 2018
According to the father, his daughter developed a fever in 2018 and was initially admitted to Tirupur Government Hospital. Doctors reportedly found that she had low haemoglobin levels and referred her to CMCH for further treatment.
The girl subsequently received a blood transfusion at CMCH and was discharged, the father said.
He alleged that she later developed lumps near her ear and was taken for further medical evaluation. Subsequent tests reportedly showed that she was HIV-positive.
Parents Tested HIV-Negative
The girl’s parents were shocked by the diagnosis and underwent HIV testing, the father said. Both were reportedly found to be HIV-negative.
Based on this, the family suspected that the infection may have been acquired through the blood transfusion administered at CMCH.
The father has requested the district administration to conduct a detailed investigation, determine the cause of the infection and take appropriate action. He has also sought compensation for the family.
Collector Orders Medical Evaluation
Acting on the complaint, the District Collector directed officials to take the girl to a hospital for appropriate medical evaluation and treatment and submit a detailed report on the matter.
CMCH Denies Blood Transfusion Link
CMCH authorities, however, have denied the allegation that the girl could have contracted HIV through the blood transfusion at the hospital.
A hospital official said the donated blood had been separated into plasma, red blood cells and white blood cells, with the components subsequently used for three patients. According to the official, only red blood cells were transfused to the girl.
The hospital further stated that the donor and the other two recipients were also tested and found to be HIV-negative.
Administration Examining Records
The district administration is now examining the girl’s medical records, blood transfusion details and other relevant information to determine the cause of the HIV infection.
The allegations made by the family have not yet been independently established, and the administration’s inquiry is expected to clarify the circumstances surrounding the case.
