Those suspended include Blood Bank In-Charge Dr Devendra Patel, a pathologist, and lab technicians Rambhai Tripathi and Nandlal Pandey. Former Civil Surgeon Dr Manoj Shukla has been asked to explain his role in overseeing blood safety and monitoring procedures during his tenure.

The action followed preliminary findings of a state-level inquiry committee led by Dr Yogesh Bharsat, Director of the State Blood Transfusion Council and CEO of Ayushman Bharat in Madhya Pradesh. The committee flagged serious procedural lapses in blood collection, screening and transfusion practices.

A six-member state investigation team, constituted by Health Commissioner Tarun Rathi, began an extensive probe on Thursday. The team conducted an 11-hour inspection on the first day, examining blood transfusion records dating back to 2023. Two Central Drug Inspectors from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation, the licensing authority for blood banks, are also part of the investigation.

Investigators have seized 12 registers related to blood collection and distribution, along with online data. Officials said nearly 200 blood donors are under scrutiny, expanding the scope of the inquiry.

Dr Bharsat also inspected the ART Centre, ICTC and the thalassemia-hemophilia ward at the district hospital to review adherence to treatment protocols and availability of medicines. Authorities are examining the possibility of an HIV carrier operating within or around the hospital premises and have sought details of outsourced staff and vendors.

Suspicions of illegal blood supply networks are also being probed, with inspections carried out at private nursing homes. District Collector Dr Satish Kumar S said the investigation would take time due to the scale of the case, cautioning against premature conclusions. A four-member team from the National AIDS Control Organisation is expected to visit Satna on Friday as the probe intensifies.