Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Arjun Munda has written to Chief Minister Hemant Soren, urging a fair and prompt investigation into the reported death of tribal woman Budhan Purti due to medical negligence in Khunti district. Munda emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that if the woman indeed passed away due to receiving the wrong blood group, severe action should be taken against those responsible. He highlighted that the incident not only affected one family but also raised significant concerns about the state’s healthcare system.
Munda stressed that the incident should not be seen as an isolated case but rather as a reflection of the challenges faced by tribal and remote areas in accessing adequate healthcare services in Jharkhand. He pointed out the persisting issues of insufficient medical facilities and higher mortality rates in tribal regions, underscoring the urgent need for attention to this matter.
Referring to a previous incident in 2025 involving tribal children receiving HIV-infected blood, Munda called for enhanced monitoring mechanisms and increased accountability within the healthcare system. He cited the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution, which safeguards tribal communities’ rights, including healthcare and the right to life, emphasizing the importance of protecting these guarantees.
Amid ongoing discussions on tribal rights and the Fifth Schedule in the state, Munda warned that such incidents could lead to a decline in public trust in institutions and governance. He urged the Chief Minister to conduct an unbiased inquiry into Budhan Purti’s death, take legal action against the responsible parties, and work towards strengthening healthcare services in tribal-majority and remote areas. Munda also advocated for strict adherence to blood transfusion protocols and greater accountability in both government and private healthcare facilities.
Taking timely action, Munda believed, would not only serve justice to the grieving family but also help prevent similar tragedies in the future.
