The Madhya Pradesh government suspended the blood bank in-charge and two lab technicians on Thursday, December 18, 2025. This followed six children testing HIV positive at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Government Hospital in Satna district. The suspension came after a committee's preliminary report investigating the transfusion of infected blood. The committee was set up on December 16 by the state's Public Health and Family Welfare Department. Blood bank in-charge Dr Devendra Patel and lab technicians Ram Bhai Tripathi and Nandlal Pandey have been suspended. A show-cause notice was also issued to Manoj Shukla, former civil surgeon of the hospital, who was asked to explain himself in writing. The official warned Mr Shukla of strict departmental action if his reply is unsatisfactory. On December 16, it was revealed that six children suffering from thalassemia got HIV after receiving infected blood during January to May. One child’s parents were also affected. All patients are being treated as per HIV protocols.