NHRC notice to TN on HIV patient

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Thursday issued notice to the Tamil Nadu chief secretary seeking a detailed report within four weeks on the alleged attempt to suicide by a youth whose blood infected a pregnant woman with HIV.

The commission said the report should include action taken against the guilty and relief/counselling provided to the victims, within four weeks.

“The commission has further observed that this reported painful incident has raised a serious issue regarding safe handling of blood samples, detection of diseases like HIV and transfusion of blood as per set standards by taking all precautions. A nationwide move is required to be taken to examination the procedures so that Right to Life of the innocent people is not violated,” it said.

The commission also issued a separate notice to the health secretary, the Union Government asking for a status report on the issue, from all the states/UTs within six weeks.