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NDTV
3 days ago
- Health
- NDTV
"Action Will Be Taken": Officials After NDTV's Operation Blood Exposes Black Market
Bhopal: After NDTV's Operation Blood exposed an alarming black market in blood across several top hospitals and blood banks in Bhopal, senior ministers and health officials have responded with promises of strict action, detailed investigations, and policy reviews. The multi-institutional sting uncovered how blood, meant to be donated and distributed ethically, is being sold illegally through a widespread network of brokers, ambulance drivers, and blood bank staff. Madhya Pradesh's Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Public Health & Medical Education, Rajendra Shukla, condemned the irregularities exposed in the sting. "Whatever illegal work is done in such cases... when it is caught, strict action is taken. It is constantly said that such things should be avoided. But if someone still does it, they do it at their own risk - and action follows." Chief Medical and Health Officer of Bhopal, Dr Manish Sharma, acknowledged the gravity of the issue. "You have raised a very important issue. The way it has come to light, it appears to be a full-fledged network. We will order a thorough investigation. Smuggling of blood must be stopped. A team will be formed, and action will be taken. The needy should receive blood at the fixed government rate. You will see results soon," he said. The sting had previously shown how brokers operated in and around Hamidia Hospital. In response, Dr Sunit Tandon, the hospital superintendent, said, "This kind of case has come to my notice for the first time, and that too through your investigation. If anyone is found guilty, we will take appropriate and firm action." Perhaps the most concerning revelation came from Ruby Khan, Deputy Director of the State Blood Cell and part of the State Blood Transfusion Council, who admitted that inspections happen only during licensing renewals. When asked if there was routine monitoring, she said, "We do it only during license renewal. If there are complaints, we investigate." "We have not received any complaints so far. If you have found such irregularities, we are ready to look into them. People should not fall into such traps. The rate fixed by the government is 1,050. If anyone is charging more, that is wrong," she added. While the sting also exposed blood being sold outside AIIMS Bhopal, Dr Ajay Singh, the Director of AIIMS, insisted that the internal system was strict. "We have rigorous vigilance. 80% of our blood comes from voluntary donation. We never accept externally sourced blood for transfusion. If a patient needs it urgently, we arrange it through government channels. We maintain a strict environment and cross-check regular donors. AIIMS Bhopal does not compromise on this," he said. In response to being named in the investigation, Jawaharlal Nehru Cancer Hospital's Medical Superintendent, Dr Harmeet Kau,r said: "We have our own blood bank and provide blood only to our patients with proper prescriptions. We do not supply blood to outsiders. If anyone from our hospital is found involved in suspicious activity, we will take action. But normally, this doesn't happen here." With blood being sold for up to Rs 7,000 despite a government-fixed rate of Rs 1,050, and networks operating outside the gates of major institutions, the issue is no longer isolated - it's systemic. NDTV has shared its findings with state health authorities. The government's response now faces public scrutiny - not just to punish the guilty, but to reform the loophole-ridden blood distribution system, ensuring that life-saving blood doesn't come at a deadly price.
Hans India
21-05-2025
- Health
- Hans India
MP govt launches 100-day Ni-Kshay campaign to fight against TB
Bhopal: In a bid to create awareness about tuberculosis among the people and intensify its fight against the traditional disease, the Madhya Pradesh government launched the 'Ni-Kshay' campaign on Wednesday. The campaign was launched in the presence of Governor Mangubhai Patel and Chief Minister Mohan Yadav at Sandipani Auditorium in Raj Bhavan. Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla, who holds the portfolio of the state's Health and Family Welfare, was also present on the occasion. Addressing the launch of the 100-day campaign, Governor Patel emphasised the importance of infection control and timely, complete medication in TB elimination efforts. He also acknowledged the challenges of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and appreciated the government's launch of the Healthy Liver Mission, encouraging people to adopt a healthy lifestyle and undergo simple liver check-ups. The Governor also praised the efforts of the Madhya Pradesh government for making over 5,000 villages TB-free through conducting the 'Ni-Kshay Camp Campaign' previously. He said these accomplishments are the result of excellent teamwork and planning. However, he also warned that incomplete TB treatment can lead to drug resistance, complicating treatment and increasing transmission. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav stated that the Indian cultural philosophy has always valued "excellent health as the highest happiness." Yadav remarked that ancient texts like Patanjali's works and the Gheranda Samhita provide principles for maintaining a healthy body. Quoting Indian scriptures, he said just as ripe fruit completes its life, a person too should fulfil their life journey in health. He praised the Governor's sensitivity towards public health and reiterated the state government's commitment to making Madhya Pradesh TB-free by 2028, with focused efforts at every level. Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla informed that Madhya Pradesh was the only state honoured by the Central government for the 100-day campaign. He informed that under the 'Nirogi Kaya' (Healthy Body) campaign, health screenings of 9 million people were conducted for diseases like diabetes, blood pressure, and fatty liver.
Time of India
13-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Govt to step up efforts to curb infant, maternal mortality
Bhopal: Deputy CM Rajendra Shukla and health minister Narendra Shivaji Patel on Tuesday reiterated the state's resolve to reduce infant and in the state, with a renewed focus on and increased .They were speaking at a presentation on health and nutrition hosted at the UNICEF office. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Shukla said gram panchayats and elected representatives would be involved more proactively to address gaps in maternal and child minister Patel reinforced the state's dedication to reducing infant and maternal mortality in Madhya Pradesh. The meeting was attended by UNICEF team members from various departments including health, nutrition, water and sanitation, social behaviour change, and monitoring for representatives commended the MP govt's dedication towards women and children, particularly highlighting the Sanjivan Road map initiative addressing infant and maternal mortality, and the provision of milk and sprouts for children and pregnant women in MP. Pushpa Awasthy, nutrition specialist at UNICEF Madhya Pradesh, delivered a presentation focusing on nutrition for children under five years, including recommendations for tackling related challenges. Dr Prashanth Kumar, health specialist at UNICEF, presented information about infant and maternal mortality rates.
Time of India
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Spike in tiger attacks prompts Rs 145 cr buffer zone plan in state
Bhopal: A spate of tiger attacks in Madhya Pradesh — claiming 32 lives in five years — has thrown the spotlight back on human-wildlife conflict , prompting the govt to clear a Rs 145 crore scheme to secure buffer zones around the state's nine tiger reserves. The scheme, "Development of Buffer Zones in Tiger Reserves", received in-principle cabinet approval on Tuesday, and will be rolled out over three financial years from 2025–26 to 2027–28. Speaking after the cabinet meeting, deputy CM Rajendra Shukla said the initiative aims to prevent human fatalities by addressing the growing tiger population in buffer areas, which has surged from 526 to 785 across the state's nine reserves. The plan includes installing chain-link fencing in ecologically sensitive zones, improving fire safety and wildlife protection, developing grasslands and water sources, tracking and treating wild animals, and launching skill-building programmes for local communities living near the forests. MP witnessed six deaths in tiger attacks - third highest in the country in 2024 after Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, as per reply to a question in Rajya Sabha on April 3. In response to a question on the numbers of deaths caused due to human-wildlife conflict, the central govt, as part of the question, gave the details of human deaths during the last five years due to tiger attacks. It stated 32 people have died in MP in tiger attacks since 2020. The number of lives claimed in tiger attacks in 2020 was 11; two lives were claimed by tigers in 2021, three in 2022. At least 10 people died in tiger attacks in 2023 and six people died in 2024. The tiger attack incidents go up during this time of the year. A series of tiger attacks has shaken villages near Bandhavgarh tiger reserve , with four such incidents in the past three weeks, all while villagers were collecting mahua. Two villagers were attacked in separate incidents. The first attack earlier this month followed a similar pattern, with a villager collecting mahua alone in the forest being ambushed. All four attacks have occurred in or near the core area of the tiger reserve. The incident sparked protests from the villagers at the Panpatha barrier, where a large group, including women, blocked the Barhi-Panpatha Road, demanding urgent action. For tribal communities near the reserve, mahua collection is a seasonal livelihood lifeline. But it comes with deadly risk of tiger attacks.
Hans India
23-04-2025
- Hans India
MP govt's Rs 145-cr plan to mitigate human-tiger conflict
Bhopal, April 22: To address the increasing cases of tiger-human conflict, the Madhya Pradesh government has approved a plan of Rs 145 crore to install chain-link fencing in the buffer zones of nine tiger reserves of the state. The decision, announced on Tuesday by Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla, aims to regulate human movement in order to minimise encounters with tigers. He highlighted that the initiative responds to the rising tiger population, which has grown from 526 in 2018 to 785 in recent years. The funds will be invested over three financial years: 2025-26, 2026-27, and 2027-28. The urgency of the project is reinforced by four recently reported tiger-human conflicts between March and April 2025. The most recent incident occurred on Monday when a tiger attacked a tribal man near his field close to the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. Additionally, a tigress, currently in captivity at the same reserve, killed a 14-year-old boy as he was collecting Mahua flowers in the forest early in the morning. His body was later discovered near a nullah. The following day, the same tigress attacked a woman named Rita, who had entered the Pipariya buffer zone to gather Mahua flowers. Mahua flowers provide tribal communities with an additional source of income, particularly in March and April when they bloom. Compensation for victims of wildlife conflicts includes Rs 10 lakh ex gratia for families of deceased individuals, Rs 2 lakh for those injured, and medical treatment up to Rs 25,000 for minor injuries. If property is damaged, such as in cases involving elephant attacks, the state government determines appropriate compensation as per the rules. Government records indicate 17 tiger attacks on humans in 2020, up from 10 in 2019, with Kanha Tiger Reserve reporting the highest number of such incidents. According to official data, 27 human deaths have been reported due to tiger attacks between 2019 and 2023. The number has gone up to 46 by 2024. Madhya Pradesh's tiger population has fluctuated over the years, with 306 tigers recorded in 2006, 257 in 2010, 308 in 2014, 526 in 2018, and 726 in the 2022 census across the nine tiger reserves. The Forest Rights Act of 2005, passed on December 18, 2006, protects the rights of forest dwellers to land and natural resources. Current mitigation measures include compensation, patrolling, power fencing, deterrents, and repellents. Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve initially covered 105 square kilometres but has since expanded to 425 square kilometres. Its buffer zone spans 820 square km and includes the Panpatha Wildlife Sanctuary, adding another 264 square km, bringing the total protected area to 1,526 square km. In the Umaria district, where the tiger reserve is located, the human population was approximately seven lakh in 2011, with a 24.96 per cent growth rate. Around 50 per cent belong to Scheduled Tribes, and 17.14 per cent reside in urban areas. Similarly, Kanha Tiger Reserve has a core area of 917 square km, with a buffer zone extending across 1,134 square km. If the Phen Wildlife Sanctuary is included, the total protected area increases by another 110 square km. As tiger numbers continue to grow, this fencing project is expected to be a crucial step toward mitigating human-wildlife conflict while ensuring the safety of both local communities and the endangered species.
