PHC summons suspended MS, doctors for HIV probe

A probe into 25 patients testing positive for HIV at Nishtar Hospital's dialysis unit has taken a new turn as the Punjab Healthcare Commission (PHC) summoned the suspended Medical Superintendent (MS), five nephrology department doctors, and the head nurse to its Multan office for questioning.

The investigation focuses on allegations of negligence, including delayed reporting of HIV cases, failure to inform relevant authorities, and tampering with medical records. However, a PHC spokesperson denied summoning any doctors for inquiries.

The crisis deepened after the suspension of MS Dr Muhammad Kazim and nephrology department head Dr Ghulam Abbas, along with four other doctors and the head nurse, following directives from Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif last Friday. Reports suggest the Chief Minister hinted at revoking the doctors' licenses, though official confirmation is awaited.

Medical experts note that license revocation by the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) could prevent the doctors from practicing privately or pursuing international opportunities.

Adding to the turmoil, the hospital remains without a new MS five days after the suspension, severely disrupting administrative and financial operations. A meeting chaired by Nishtar Medical University Vice-Chancellor (VC) Dr Mehnaz Khakwani saw faculty members refusing to assume additional duties for the dialysis unit.

Reports indicate that junior doctors and nurses are managing the unit, leaving patients at risk.

The Grand Health Alliance and Pakistan Medical Association Punjab have announced protests across public hospitals from Thursday, escalating to a shutdown of outpatient services by Monday. Their demands include an impartial inquiry, reinstatement of suspended staff, and an end to alleged harassment by law enforcement.

Medical circles claim political interference has tainted the investigation, delaying critical answers about the source of the HIV outbreak and the role of private dialysis centers and unsafe blood transfusion practices.

Doctors allege that the HIV-positive patients at Nishtar Hospital previously underwent dialysis and transfusions at private facilities.

The inquiry has highlighted severe lapses, such as improper screening, record tampering, and repeated use of disposable equipment on multiple patients. Despite the urgency, authorities have yet to monitor private facilities or share patient data from private centres.

The source of the outbreak remains a pressing mystery, underscoring the need for a transparent and thorough investigation.