Ranchi, July 19: Former Chief Minister of Jharkhand, Arjun Munda, has urged Chief Minister Hemant Soren to conduct a fair and timely investigation into the alleged medical negligence that led to the death of a tribal woman, Budhan Purti, in Khunti district.
Munda emphasized that if the woman died due to receiving the wrong blood type, it is a serious issue that warrants strict action against those responsible.
In his letter, Munda stated that the incident at the Birsa Institute of Medical Science and Research Center in Khunti is not just a tragedy for one family but raises significant concerns about the state’s healthcare system. Jharkhand is known for its tribal community, social justice, and human values. Therefore, the death of a tribal woman during treatment is a matter of grave concern for the entire system.
The former Union Minister insisted that this issue should not be dismissed as merely a hospital error. It must be viewed in the broader context of healthcare conditions in tribal and remote areas. Many tribal regions in the state still lack adequate healthcare facilities, leading to higher-than-average mortality rates.
Munda also referenced an incident from October 2025, where five tribal children suffering from thalassemia were administered HIV-infected blood in West Singhbhum district. He argued that such incidents highlight the urgent need for enhanced monitoring and accountability within the healthcare system.
In his letter, Munda pointed out that the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution addresses the rights and protections of tribal communities, emphasizing the importance of health and life security. At a time when discussions about the Fifth Schedule and tribal rights are ongoing in the state, such incidents undermine public trust in the system.
He urged the Chief Minister to ensure a thorough investigation into Budhan Purti’s death, to take legal action against the guilty parties, and to explore ways to improve healthcare services in tribal and remote areas. Munda also called for strict adherence to established protocols in blood transfusions and accountability for both public and private hospitals.
He concluded by stating that timely government action in this matter could provide justice to the affected family and help prevent similar incidents in the future.
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