CM orders probe after Valika HIV outbreak

Inquiries point to negligence at hospital; officials face action

KARACHI:

Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Monday directed the Labour Department to ensure strict accountability, uninterrupted treatment and long-term rehabilitation in the case of children infected with HIV at the Kulsum Bai Valika Hospital, warning that negligence in healthcare delivery would not be tolerated.

Chairing a high-level meeting at the Chief Minister House to review the situation at the SESSI-run facility, CM Shah was informed that 80 children had so far tested positive for HIV, while departmental action had been initiated against dozens of officials and medical staff following multiple inquiries.

Officials briefed the meeting that the issue first surfaced on October 23, 2025, when six HIV-positive cases were reported. Subsequently, the Labour Department ordered an inquiry, while SESSI formed a committee led by its medical adviser to investigate the matter.

An inquiry committee constituted by the labour minister inspected the hospital, particularly its paediatrics ward and laboratory, and submitted its report on November 6, 2025. The report identified 16 HIV-positive children linked to the paediatrics department and highlighted serious administrative, procedural and infection control lapses.

The meeting was told that major deficiencies included the absence of standard operating procedures, weak sterilisation monitoring, improper disposal of biomedical waste, shortage of biohazard containers, poor stock management, lack of disposable medical supplies, inadequate record-keeping, insufficient HIV testing facilities and lack of follow-up for affected patients and their families.

The committee also pointed out the possible reuse or improper handling of disposable medical equipment, including syringes, and said that staff were not consistently adhering to infection prevention protocols or using personal protective equipment.

The situation escalated after complaints from affected families and the SITE Association of Trade and Industry highlighted serious negligence in infection control practices at the hospital.

Labour Minister Saeed Ghani informed the chief minister that corrective measures had since been taken, including the establishment of an antiretroviral therapy (ART) centre at the hospital on November 15, 2025, which became fully operational on November 24 after specialised training by the Health Department's Communicable Disease Control programme.

He added that standardised HIV prevention protocols had been developed and circulated to all SESSI medical facilities across Sindh. More than 300 doctors and paramedical staff were screened, with two testing positive for HIV; however, their family members later tested negative.