India: Hepatitis B infections kill 36, doctors arrested

Officials say eight doctors in western India have been arrested after a Hepatitis B outbreak killed at least 36 people over the last two weeks.

State health minister Jaynarayan Vyas says at least 100 others in the Modasa district of Gujarat state have also been infected with the virus and are undergoing treatment.

The area’s deputy superintendent of police K.K.Mysorewala said the doctors have been charged with medical malpractice ranging from using the same syringe on multiple patients, negligence and improper disposal of medical waste.

If convicted they face between two years and life in prison.