IAF Soldier Compensated for AIDS Contracted from Contaminated Blood Transfusion

Keywords: Indian Air Force, AIDS, contaminated blood transfusion, Supreme Court, compensation, Operation Parakram, military hospital, Jammu & Kashmir

An Indian Air Force (IAF) soldier, who contracted AIDS due to a transfusion of contaminated blood at a military hospital in Jammu & Kashmir’s Samba in 2002, has received Rs 18 lakh, with the remaining amount of over Rs 1.41 crore awarded as compensation deposited with the Supreme Court Registry, as informed by the IAF.

The Supreme Court, in a judgement delivered on September 26, 2023, directed the IAF to pay around Rs 1.5 crore in compensation to the former soldier. The veteran had taken ill during “Operation Parakram,” launched after the terrorist attack on the Indian Parliament on December 13, 2001, and was admitted to the hospital where he received the contaminated blood transfusion.

Earlier this year, in April, the Supreme Court dismissed a plea seeking a review of its September 2023 judgement. The veteran’s petition alleging contempt of the directions issued by the Supreme Court in its 2023 verdict was heard by the bench on Tuesday.

Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Vikramjit Banerjee confirmed the filing of a compliance affidavit in the matter. The bench, also comprising Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice K V Viswanathan, ordered the release of the amount deposited in the court registry to the veteran.

An advocate assisting the top court as amicus curiae suggested that the bench consider referring the soldier for regular medical check-ups at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi.

This case highlights the critical need for stringent medical protocols and accountability within military healthcare systems, ensuring the safety and well-being of service members. The Supreme Court’s ruling underscores the importance of justice and adequate compensation for those who suffer due to systemic failures.

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