In Sindh, parents complain about lack of facilities as HIV cases rise to 225

AIDS programme director, Larkana DC are taking action on complaints

HYDERABAD: The number of HIV-infected patients screened over the last 10 days in Larkana has risen to a staggering 225, according to the officials of Sindh AIDS Control Programme. More than 5,000 people have been screened since April 25 following the disclosure about the spread of the virus mainly in the Ratodero taluka in Larkana.

Among 497 people screened on Wednesday, 35 tested positive for HIV. As thousands of people took to the screening camps, a campaign erupted over the lack of facilities amid scorching heat. Many parents of HIV positive children also complained that their children were not being provided medical treatment.

"I am being told to go from one hospital in Larkana to another in Ratodero to get treatment for my two children," groaned Asadullah Soomro whose three-year-old son and nine-year-old daughter were tested with HIV positive. He said he came across several families which were going through similar disorientation.

"I am taking my daughter from one government hospital to another. Wherever I go, I am referred to some other hospital," bewailed Muhammad Ali, a parent. Rashid Soomro, another parent whose daughter is infected with HIV, made a similar complaint while talking to the local media at the screening camp in Ratodero.

Dr Sikandar Memon, director of the Sindh AIDS Control Programme, while commenting on the lack of facilities at the screening camps, acknowledged that some shortcomings may exist. He said while talking to the local media that thousands of people visit the centre daily and some complaints about the facilities are likely to occur.

In view of the complaints, a civil judge and judicial magistrate visited Ratodero taluka hospital and gathered complaints from the patients and their families.

Larkana Deputy Commissioner (DC) Muhammad Noman Siddiqi directed the health authorities on Wednesday to maintain cleanliness in the government hospitals and health centres.

"It has been noted that the government and private health centres don't properly dispose off the dangerous hospital waste," the DC said, adding that people and the media have also pointed out the problem.

Doctor remanded

A local court extended the physical remand of Dr Muzaffar Ghangro, who was accused of infecting his patients with HIV, by three more days. On the court's order Ghangro, who was also screened as HIV positive, was taken to Lakarna Civil Hospital for a renewed HIV test. But the test could not be performed because the police arrived late at the hospital.

Speaking to the media, Ghangro said he will not accept the test report if it is conducted in presence of the police. He demanded that a judicial officer should be deputed at the time of his test which should be conducted at a reputable private hospital.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) Larkana chapter alleged that a senior government official and a local journalist were settling their personal score against Ghangro by implicating him in the case. The PMA's office bearers said the accused doctor is being denied his fundamental rights as he is not being provided medical treatment in police custody.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 10^th, 2019.