Bhopal, Dec. 17 -- Four children suffering from thalassemia were infected with HIV allegedly after receiving blood transfusions at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel district hospital in Madhya Pradesh's Satna, an official aware of the matter said.

The children, aged between 8 and 14 years, underwent transfusions at the hospital a few months ago which reportedly led to HIV infection. The matter was reported four months ago but came to light on Tuesday when parents of some of the children demanded action against the hospital administration.

"Four months ago, tests conducted at the ICTC (Integrated Counselling and Testing Centre) revealed that all the children were initially HIV-negative, but subsequent tests showed positive results. The matter was...