Valika hospital HIV cases climb to 120

The number of confirmed HIV cases linked to the Valika Hospital outbreak has climbed to 120, Sindh Labour, Human Resources and Social Security Minister Saeed Ghani said on Tuesday, announcing criminal proceedings against those responsible.

Speaking at a press conference in the Sindh Assembly committee room, Ghani said more than 10,500 people had been screened in and around the hospital, with 120 testing positive for HIV. He added that affected children were currently undergoing treatment at five major hospitals across the country.

Rejecting criticism of inaction, the minister said the government had responded swiftly after the first cases surfaced in October 2025. He said the health department's disease surveillance team initiated screening the following day, while an inquiry committee was set up within days. According to Ghani, the initial probe confirmed HIV infection in 16 children along with two deaths, while a subsequent report raised the tally to 78 cases and six fatalities. "All those found responsible will face strict action," he said, adding that show-cause notices had already been issued to 37 doctors and staff members. He said those involved would be dismissed from service and face criminal charges, including the registration of FIRs.

The minister also announced the establishment of a Rs2 billion endowment fund to support the treatment and welfare of affected children, noting that the amount could be increased if required. He emphasised that the identities of patients and their families would remain confidential under the Sindh HIV Control Act 2006 to protect them from stigma.

Ghani said that of the 120 confirmed cases, 81 patients were registered under the social security system, while the government was covering treatment costs for the remaining 39 individuals. Separately, around 2,000 people were screened at the Landhi Social Security Hospital, where 10 HIV cases were detected, he added. Despite concerns over a potential rise in infections, the minister said the screening process would continue. "Timely diagnosis is key to controlling the spread," he said, adding that all reported cases so far traced back to infections prior to October 2025, with no new cases of this nature reported since.

Responding to a question, Ghani said that while a mechanism for medical waste disposal exists, lapses occur due to non-compliance by certain elements pursuing vested interests. He said action was being taken against those responsible.

Also present on the occasion, Indus Hospital CEO Dr Abdul Bari Khan warned that the prevalence of HIV and hepatitis C in Pakistan remained a serious concern, calling for coordinated efforts between the government and healthcare institutions.