Ahmedabad: The state government has informed the Gujarat High Court that 21 thalassemia-affected kids from Junagadh, who allegedly contracted HIV during blood transfusions, could get free treatment in four state-run hospitals.
The statement was made before the division bench of acting Chief Justice Bhaskar Bhattacharya and Justice JB Pardiwala on Thursday.
The application for free treatment had been made by advocate Girish Das during the hearing on public interest litigations seeking compensation for the children's families and punishment for the guilty.
The state government informed the court it was willing to provide free medical treatment to the children at Junagadh Civil Hospital, GG Hospital in Jamnagar, PDU General Hospital in Rajkot and Ahmedabad Civil Hospital.
The Court observed that it was a fair decision, and adjourned the case till February 9. Twenty-three thalassemic children tested positive for HIV during blood tests at Junagadh civil hospital last year.
Das's PIL seeks compensation for their families, and fixing of responsibility for the horrific negligence which led to infections. Two of the children died in the meantime.
Das had submitted that the kids were suffering from major aliments due to the cold winter weather in the Junagadh region. Moreover, their condition had worsened because of low immunity level, so they needed special treatment.
Apart from Das, parents of some victim children too have filed petition seeking action against those responsible for negligence during the transfusions.
An FIR was filed with Junagadh police last December on the High Court's order.
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