Reshmi was born to HIV negative parents on June 25, 2004. She was admitted to a hospital in the city after a colour change was marked in her body. Rashmi was suffering from Anemia - a condition of low hemoglobin and was taken to the hospital for blood transfusion; newborn underwent blood transfusion thrice in a week and returned home with a memento - ‘HIV positive’.



The medical negligence came to light when she was hospitalized after a severe attack of cough six months ago. She was tested HIV positive and condemning fingers were towards her parents. They however, were tested negative.



The infection was acquired in a medical college hospital during a blood transfusion about five months ago. However, the director of medical education gave a clean chit to the Medical College Blood Bank and the SUT Hospital where the blood transfusion was done. The report said the blood bank complied with all safety standards laid out by the National AIDS Control Organization.



The government has tried to give a job to the mother and provide some monetary compensation to the family as well, however Reshmi’s loss is matchless and magnitude of compensation can’t bring back the smile of Rashmi. This tragic incidence has highlighted the flaws in our health system.



Whether Reshmi was exposed to the virus at the private clinic where she was delivered or the blood donor was in the ‘window’ period is not what we as citizens have reservations about. We have qualms as it is in shadows - how the infant contracted the deadly virus. On the contrary all we can do is anticipate that this tragedy will be enough for stricter regulations, codifications and proper course of action to be set up in running blood banks of the country.



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