Saeed Ghani confirms 120 HIV cases linked to Valika Hospital in Karachi

Sindh Labor Minister Saeed Ghani on Tuesday said the number of people diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) linked to the outbreak at Karachi’s Kulsum Bai Valika (KBV) Hospital had risen to 120, announcing that cases would be registered against those found guilty of negligence.

Addressing a press conference in the committee hall of the Sindh Assembly, Ghani said that more than 10,500 people had been screened for the virus in and around Valika Hospital, which resulted in 120 people being diagnosed with HIV.

He noted that infected children were being treated in five major hospitals across the country.

Of the 120 affected people, Ghani said, 81 were registered beneficiaries of the Sindh Employees’ Social Security Institution (SESSI) and the remaining 39 people, although not covered by the institution, were still enjoying free treatment from the government.

Highlighting other measures, the minister said around 2,000 people were screened at SESSI’s Landhi Hospital, of which 10 were diagnosed with HIV.

“The government will continue the testing campaign despite fears that new cases will emerge,” he said, asserting that early diagnosis remains the most effective way to control the spread of the disease.

Read: Total HIV cases at KBV Hospital in Karachi rise to 80 as preteens, toddlers test positive

He confirmed that all cases identified so far were linked to infections acquired before October 2025 and that no new cases of outbreaks have been reported thereafter.

Dismissing allegations that the provincial government remained indifferent to the outbreak at the SESSI-run Valika Hospital, the labor minister said the government acted as soon as the cases emerged in October last year.

He said the health ministry’s communicable disease control team began screening residents the day after the first cases were reported, while a commission of inquiry was formed a few days later.

According to the minister, the initial investigation confirmed HIV infection in 16 children and recorded two deaths, and a subsequent investigation report identified 78 confirmed cases and six deaths.

“Show cause notices have been issued to 37 doctors and staff,” Ghani said, adding that all those responsible would face strict disciplinary and legal action.

Learn more: CM orders probe after HIV outbreak in Valika

“Those involved will not only be removed from their posts, but first information reports will also be registered against them and they will be subject to legal action,” the minister said during the press conference.

Ghani said the Sindh government had established an endowment fund of Rs2 billion for the treatment and welfare of infected children, stressing that the amount would be increased if necessary.

To protect children and families from social stigma and discrimination, the minister pledged to keep the identity of infected persons “confidential” in line with the Sindh HIV and AIDS Control, Treatment and Protection Act, 2013.

Responding to a question on the disposal of medical waste, which was the main cause of the HIV epidemic, the minister said that clinical waste management was governed by the Sindh Hospital Waste Management Rules, but some people refused to comply with the prescribed procedures for their personal gain.

He said punitive measures were being taken against such elements.

Speaking at the press conference, Dr Abdul Bari Khan, founder of Indus Hospital and Health Network, said the prevalence of HIV and hepatitis C in Pakistan remained a matter of grave concern and demanded coordinated efforts from the government, health institutions and other stakeholders to reduce the number of cases.

Dr Faisal Mahmood, deputy chief medical officer at the Aga Khan University Hospital and an infectious diseases specialist, stressed that the problem was not endemic to a single hospital or locality.

He called for stricter implementation of infection prevention and control protocols in all health facilities, including private clinics.