THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Daltonganj, June 8: A woman living with HIV underwent a Caesarean section at Medinirai Medical College and Hospital (MMCH), Daltonganj, and delivered a healthy 2.5-kg baby girl. However, five healthcare workers, including the surgeon, were later found to have had potential exposure to HIV after the patient’s HIV status allegedly came to light following the surgery.
Five Medical Personnel on PEP
Civil Surgeon Dr Anil Kumar Sriwastwa said the five-member medical team has been placed on Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) for 28 days as a precautionary measure.
“The team of five has been segregated, and its post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is underway. The treatment will continue for 28 days,” he said.
Hospital authorities said the labour room has been sanitised and disinfected.
Hospital Alleges HIV Status Was Concealed
According to Dr Sriwastwa, the woman and her husband allegedly concealed her HIV-positive status, leading to the situation.
Before the Caesarean operation, the woman underwent a rapid HIV test and reportedly tested negative, allowing the surgery to proceed. However, hospital personnel later identified her as a patient undergoing Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) for HIV.
MMCH authorities said the couple had not disclosed this information to the labour room management.
Couple Alleges Improper Treatment
The couple, meanwhile, has levelled allegations of improper treatment at the hospital.
The woman’s husband claimed that after the surgery, she was shifted to a room where discarded bedsheets had been piled up. He also alleged that blood was not made available until he arranged a replacement donor.
Report Sought on Incident
MMCH sources said Dr Sriwastwa sought a detailed report from Medical Superintendent Dr Ajay Kumar on June 7.
The Caesarean operation was conducted on June 6, and PEP for the five-member labour room team was initiated within hours after the woman’s HIV status was detected.
Sources said Palamu Deputy Commissioner Dilip Pratap Singh Shekhawat directed the civil surgeon to ensure accurate facts were placed before the public to prevent unnecessary concern or confusion.
A press note was subsequently issued, stating that there was neither medical negligence nor undue haste in conducting the operation.
Guidelines and Legal Provisions
The HIV/AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017, states that no hospital or doctor can deny or delay surgery or healthcare services solely because a person is HIV-positive.
The report noted that MMCH doctors performed their professional duties in accordance with medical ethics and legal provisions.
National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) guidelines also state that no person can be compelled to undergo HIV testing as a prerequisite for surgery or healthcare services.
Responding to questions on how an HIV-positive person could test negative in a rapid test, Dr Sriwastwa said such situations may occur when the viral load is low.
When asked whether patients who underwent Caesarean procedures after the woman could face any potential risk, he said monitoring was underway and that a “line listing” of all relevant cases had been prepared.
“I ask everyone not to hide any fact about their health, whether it is related to sex or any other matter. Tell the doctor honestly. It will help you in many ways and support better healthcare outcomes,” Dr Sriwastwa said.