nformation request on contaminated blood products from Serum Institute of India

[Guest guest]

Dear Madam/Sir,

I’m a 4th yr. BA LLB (Hons) student at the National University of Juridical

Sciences, Calcutta. One of my specialization papers this semester is Public

Health Law. I'm writing a paper on Unsafe Blood Supply and State Liability in

the context of HIV/AIDS. While reviewing literature, I came across two major

incidents.

Sometime in early 1990s [dates not mentioned] the Serum Institute of India,

Pune, shut down [manufactured concentrates et al for haemophiliacs]. The India

Today [Nov 30, 1992, " The Indian Face of AIDS " , Harinder Baweja & Arun Katityar]

carried a story, which mentioned that the Institue's blood products were

contaminated and several haemophiliacs have become HIV+ as a result. However,

the story doesn't mention about what action was taken on erring officials,

whether any compensation was paid etc. Ever since then, there has been a studied

silence over this...no reports in media etc.

On digging further, I've been told, that a deal was struck between the Institute

[and therefore the Govt....it was a Govt. body] and the Haemophiliac Society,

whereby the costly equipments used by the Institute to manufacture certain

essential blood products, was given to the Soc. free of charge. However, it is

unconfirmed and details are hazy.

Again in 1995, India Today [Aug 31, 1995, " Putting Life on the Line " Vijay Jung

Thapa & Lekha Rattanani] reported that 45 out of 64 thalassemia children tested

HIV+ in Mumbai's Wadia Children's Hospital. Though the story mentions, " heads

are beginning to roll " nothing specific on the nature of action taken on the

erring officials, who they were, if any compensation was paid etc. A studied

silence over this issue too.

I would be grateful, if you could help me find out how, when and why the

incidents took place. More importantly what happened after the incidents...in

terms of who were the guilty officials, what action was taken, whether any

compensation was paid to the affected, any litigation et al. Alternatively, if

you could help me get connected to someone who could be of assistance in my

quest for answers.

It doesn't matter if there are no answers per se. But I need a confirmation on

that. What I lack now is confirmation. Also I would like to know what's the

administrative set up for ensuring blood safety in the country. Is it done at

the central level or state level...or a joint exercise by both?

I've read the Blood Policy posted on the NACO website. The document envisages a

certain structure. I wish to know, if it has been implemented and is functional.

As far I know, the set up varies from state to state. While the Supreme Court's

orders in 1996 have been implemented to a substantial extent in [metropolitan?]

cities, what about rural areas, districts et al?

Take care and keep in touch. A quick response would be deeply appreciated.

Thanking in anticipation

Yours faithfully

Suman Saha

E-mail: <suman6666@...>