Hospital suspensions spark fresh row

Audit officers question action, seek transparent probe into inquiry process

KARACHI:

The suspension of audit officers following the outbreak of HIV cases among children at Kulsoom Bai Valika Hospital has triggered fresh controversy, with questions raised over the basis of action against officials not directly linked to medical oversight.

The move has ignited debate over the inquiry committee's methodology and the allocation of responsibility, particularly concerning the role of non-technical staff. Suspended audit officer Tauqeer Ahmed contested the decision, stating that responsibilities such as patient care, infection control, sanitation and ward monitoring fall under the purview of the medical superintendent and hospital administration.

"The audit officer's role is confined to reviewing financial and administrative matters, not inspecting medical equipment or syringes in wards," he said, questioning the grounds for his suspension.

He further alleged that the inquiry committee had taken action against non-technical officials while overlooking the role of administrative officers who were in charge when the cases surfaced. According to him, some of those officials were instead made part of the inquiry process.

Ahmed also pointed to a potential conflict of interest, claiming that the hospital's then-administrator, Wakeeluddin Kamal Shah, who was serving at the time the HIV cases emerged, was later appointed as secretary of the inquiry committee.

"If the administrator is responsible for overseeing the hospital's overall management and infection control system, then his role should also be examined impartially," he added.

Meanwhile, affected families and some officials have called for an independent and transparent probe, arguing that accountability must be determined on merit rather than targeting individuals without direct responsibility for medical supervision.