Departmental action begins after 78 children test positive; show cause notices issued to 37 doctors
Hanging ax falls on two doctors at Karachi’s Valika Hospital after HIV outbreak
KARACHI:
The Sindh Employees’ Social Security Institution (SESSI) has launched departmental action against the HIV outbreak among children at Kulsoom Bai Valika Hospital, suspending two doctors, withdrawing a dispenser and issuing show-cause notices to 37 doctors, nurses and other medical and administrative staff, as investigations intensify into the incident that 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 ordered to report to the SESSI headquarters. The commission of inquiry accused the two doctors of negligence, maladministration and violations of medical protocols. Distributor Basharat Khan was also removed from his post, while 37 employees were issued show-cause notices and asked to submit their responses within 14 days.
Kulsoom Bai Valika Hospital is the same facility where dozens of children are believed to have been 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. He assured that no doctor, civil servant or medical staff found responsible for negligence will be considered above the law and strict action will be taken.
The Sindh High Court is also hearing the case. In 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.
Learn more: HIV toll rises at Valika hospital
Meanwhile, parents of the affected children and residents of Pathan Colony expressed shock and anger over the incident. They said they took their children to the hospital for treatment of minor illnesses, but they contracted an illness that would last them a lifetime. The families demanded that those responsible face criminal charges in addition to departmental measures and called on the government to take full responsibility for the treatment, medication and financial support of the affected children.
Preliminary investigations also raised serious concerns about the hospital’s infection control system, syringe use, medical waste disposal and monitoring procedures. The teams from the Health Directorate and SESSI are examining different aspects of the case to determine the exact cause of the epidemic and identify those responsible.
The incident has cast a serious shadow over the public healthcare system in Sindh. Health experts say strict adherence to medical protocols, effective infection control monitoring and safe handling of syringes and other medical equipment could have avoided this tragedy.
While departmental proceedings are ongoing, affected families and the public are closely watching to see whether the investigation reaches its logical conclusion, whether those responsible are held accountable, and whether the 78 children involved receive justice, treatment and long-term support.
