Data released by India's National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) reveals that at least 2,234 people have contracted HIV while receiving blood transfusions in the country ’s hospitals over the last 17 months. The data was released in response to a petition filed by activist Chetan Kothari, who is “shocked” at the figures: “This is the official data, provided by the government-run NACO. I believe the real numbers would be double or triple that. The Indian capital Delhi is at number four with 264 cases. This is a very serious matter and must be addressed urgently." He added that India's hospitals lack the technology to screen blood for HIV and lack the funding. In his petition, Kothari has asked the government to provide him with details of how many patients are being screened each month as well as their age.
Data released by India's National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) reveals that at least 2,234 people have contracted HIV while receiving blood transfusions in the country ’s hospitals over the last 17 months. The data was released in response to a petition filed by activist Chetan Kothari, who is “shocked” at the figures: “This is the official data, provided by the government-run NACO. I believe the real numbers would be double or triple that. This is a very serious matter and must be addressed urgently." He added that India's hospitals lack the technology to screen blood for HIV and lack the funding. In his petition, Kothari has asked the government to provide him with details of how many patients are being screened each month as well as their age.