Departmental action begins after 78 children tested positive for HIV; show cause notices issued to 37 doctors
Suspended ax falls on two doctors at Karachi’s Valika hospital after HIV outbreak
KARACHI:
The Sindh Employees’ Social Security Institution (SESSI) has initiated departmental action over the HIV outbreak among children at Kulsoom Bai Valika Hospital, suspending two doctors, removing a dispenser and issuing show cause notices to 37 doctors, nurses and other medical and administrative staff as investigations intensify into the incident that has left 78 children diagnosed with HIV.
According to an official notification, Dr. Amanullah Memon and Dr. Huma Aman have been suspended with immediate effect and are required to report to the SESSI headquarters. The inquiry commission accused both doctors of negligence, mismanagement and violation of medical protocols. Dispenser Basharat Khan has also been removed from duty, while 37 employees have been issued show-cause notices and directed to submit their responses within 14 days.
Kulsoom Bai Valika Hospital is the same facility where dozens of children were allegedly infected with HIV due to the use of reused or unsafe syringes. Sindh Labor Minister Saeed Ghani confirmed that 78 children treated at the hospital tested positive for HIV. It has assured that no doctor, official or member of the medical staff found responsible for the negligence will be considered above the law and that strict action will be taken.
The Sindh High Court is also hearing the case. During the latest hearing, the court ordered the provincial government to submit a detailed report within two weeks, explaining how the virus spread, who was responsible and what measures are being taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Read more: The number of HIV victims increases in Valika hospital
Meanwhile, parents of the affected children and residents of Pathan Colony expressed shock and anger over the incident. They said they had taken their children to the hospital for treatment for minor illnesses, but they contracted a lifelong illness. The families have demanded that those responsible face criminal prosecution in addition to departmental action, and have called on the government to take full responsibility for the treatment, medication and financial support of the affected children.
Preliminary investigations have also raised serious concerns about the hospital’s infection control system, syringe use, medical waste disposal and follow-up procedures. Teams from the Department of Health and SESSI are examining different aspects of the case to determine the exact cause of the outbreak and identify those responsible.
The incident has seriously cast a shadow over Sindh’s public health system. Health experts say strict adherence to medical protocols, effective infection control monitoring and safe handling of syringes and other medical equipment could have prevented the tragedy.
With departmental proceedings underway, affected families and the public are watching closely to see if the investigation reaches its logical conclusion, those responsible are held accountable and the 78 affected children receive justice, treatment and long-term support.
