HIV Scare in Jharkhand: Calls for Health Minister's Resignation

The opposition in Jharkhand on Monday demanded immediate and stringent action against Health Minister Irfan Ansari and senior officials of the health department. This followed an alarming revelation that five children suffering from thalassemia had tested HIV-positive after blood transfusions in Chaibasa.

The state government, reacting swiftly to mounting pressure, suspended the West Singhbhum civil surgeon and other officials. Senior Janata Dal (United) MLA Saryu Roy criticized the Health Department for its alleged corruption and inefficiency, urging reform at the ministerial level.

BJP's state president Babulal Marandi described the incident as a 'state-sponsored attempt to murder children,' demanding Ansari's removal and accountability at the highest level. A high-level investigation is underway to determine the source of the contaminated blood, with Chief Minister Hemant Soren pledging financial support for affected families.