Investigation to identify the source of HIV infection

The Kerala branch of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) urged the Government of India to order a detailed investigation into the source of HIV infection in Reshmi. IMA state secretary R.Ramesh issued a press note saying that further scientific evaluation is necessary to allay the concerns over the safety of blood transfusion. Reshmi the two-year-old child died after a prolonged battle with the dreaded disease. The Medical College blood bank from where Reshmi had received blood for transfusion had followed the prescribed protocol to ensure safe blood.

Hence Dr. Ramesh said Reshmi's infection could be a case where the donor was in the window period. Hence during the routine test the donor showed negative results. He said extra sensitive tests should be used to detect HIV infection in the window period. The District Collector N. Ayyappan visited Reshmi's parents at their house near Pachalloor and consoled them. He was accompanied by the Village Officer.