Eight children test HIV positive in Karachi's SITE area

Hospital blames quack doctors for emerging cases of infection, risking lives of innocent people

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection has been detected in eight children, tested at the Kulsoom Bai Valika Hospital in Karachi. The hospital officials have blamed the quack doctors, practising illegally, for the infection and demanded of the Sindh Healthcare Commission (SHCC) to take action against such unauthorised medical practitioners.

According to hospital sources, the cases emerged at the facility, which operates under the Sindh Employees Social Security Institute. In recent days, eight children, suffering from high fever, chest congestion, diarrhoea, and constipation, were brought to the hospital.

Medical Superintendent Dr Mumtaz Sheikh said that blood samples of children were collected and the result showed them HIV positive. He added that most of the affected children belong to Pathan Colony, a settlement near the hospital.

Dr Sheikh said the area is rife with untrained and unregistered 'quack' doctors, whose unsafe treatment practices pose a serious risk of HIV transmission. He clarified that no deaths of HIV-positive children have been reported at the hospital.

The hospital administration has sent a formal letter to the SHCC, urging immediate action against illegal medical practitioners. Dr Sheikh added that the Communicable Disease Control (CDC) Programme is currently conducting HIV testing in the surrounding area.

However, when The Express Tribune approached CDC officials for confirmation, some attempted to downplay the situation, while others dismissed the reports terming as 'rumours'. Dr Sheikh confirmed that all eight affected children have been discharged after initial treatment and that ongoing surveillance and testing are being carried out in the area.