Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Arjun Munda has written to Chief Minister Hemant Soren, demanding a fair and time-bound investigation into the alleged death of a tribal woman, Budhan Purti, due to suspected medical negligence at a government facility in Khunti district. The letter, dated 19 July, raises serious questions about the standard of healthcare available to tribal communities across the state.

The Alleged Incident

According to Munda, Budhan Purti reportedly died after being transfused with the wrong blood group at the Birsa Institute of Medical Science and Research Centre in Khunti. Munda stated that if the allegation is confirmed, it would constitute an extremely serious lapse warranting strict action against those responsible. He stressed that the incident must not be treated as an isolated error confined to a single hospital.

A Pattern of Concern in Tribal Healthcare

Munda drew attention to a prior incident in October 2025 in West Singhbhum district, where five tribal children suffering from thalassemia were allegedly transfused with HIV-infected blood. He argued that such recurring incidents point to systemic failures rather than individual lapses, and underscore the urgent need for stronger monitoring mechanisms and greater accountability within the healthcare system.

He further noted that many tribal regions in Jharkhand continue to face inadequate medical infrastructure and higher-than-average mortality rates, making healthcare delivery in these areas a matter of urgent public concern.

Constitutional Obligations and Tribal Rights

The former Union Tribal Affairs Minister invoked the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution, which provides for the protection of tribal communities and their rights, with healthcare and the right to life among its most fundamental guarantees. At a time when discussions on the Fifth Schedule and tribal rights are actively ongoing in the state, Munda warned that such incidents risk eroding public trust in institutions and governance.

He emphasised that Jharkhand's identity is deeply linked to its tribal communities, social justice, and human values — and that the death of a tribal woman during treatment should be a matter of grave concern for the entire administrative system.

Demands Raised

Munda urged Chief Minister Soren to ensure an impartial investigation into Budhan Purti's death, initiate legal action against those found guilty, and undertake a comprehensive assessment of healthcare services in tribal-majority and remote regions. He also called for strict adherence to established blood transfusion protocols and greater accountability for both government and private hospitals.

He stated that timely government action would not only deliver justice to the bereaved family but also help prevent similar tragedies in the future. The Jharkhand government is yet to formally respond to the letter.