Suspension axe falls on two doctors at Karachi's Valika hospital after HIV outbreak

Departmental action begins after 78 children test HIV-positive; show-cause notices issued to 37 doctors

KARACHI:

The Sindh Employees’ Social Security Institution (SESSI) has initiated departmental action over the HIV outbreak among children at Kulsoom Bai Valika Hospital, suspending two doctors, removing a dispenser and issuing show-cause notices to 37 doctors, nurses and other medical and administrative staff as investigations intensify into the incident that has 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 directed to report to the SESSI head office. The inquiry committee has accused both doctors of negligence, maladministration and violations of medical protocols. Dispenser Basharat Khan has also been removed from his duties, while 37 employees have been served show-cause notices and directed to submit their replies within 14 days.

Kulsoom Bai Valika Hospital is the same facility where dozens of children were allegedly infected with HIV due to the use of reused or unsafe syringes. Sindh Labour Minister Saeed Ghani has confirmed that 78 children treated at the hospital have tested positive for HIV. He has assured that no doctor, official or member of the medical staff found responsible for the negligence will be considered above the law and that strict action will be taken.

The Sindh High Court is also hearing the case. During the last hearing, the court directed 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.

Read More: HIV toll climbs at Valika Hospital

Meanwhile, parents of the affected children and residents of Pathan Colony have expressed shock and anger over the incident. They said they had taken their children to the hospital for treatment of minor illnesses but instead they contracted a lifelong disease. The families have demanded that those responsible face criminal proceedings in addition to departmental action, and have called on the government to assume full responsibility for the treatment, medicines and financial support of the affected children.

Preliminary investigations have also raised serious concerns over the hospital's infection control system, syringe usage, medical waste disposal and monitoring procedures. Teams from the Health Department and SESSI are examining different aspects of the case to determine the exact cause of the outbreak and identify those responsible.

The incident has cast a serious shadow over Sindh's public healthcare system. Health experts say strict adherence to medical protocols, effective infection-control oversight and safe handling of syringes and other medical equipment could have prevented the tragedy.

With departmental proceedings now underway, affected families and the public are watching closely to see whether the investigation reaches its logical conclusion, those responsible are held accountable and the 78 affected children receive justice, treatment and long-term support.