16 more kids infected with HIV as Valika audit ordered

The Sindh ombudsperson has ordered an audit of Kulsoom Bai Valika Hospital after 16 more children were diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, raising fresh concerns over the worsening outbreak and alleged administrative lapses at the health facility.

The hearing, chaired by Ombudsperson Mohammad Sohail Rajput, was held with senior officials and parents of affected children in attendance, including Labour Secretary Sajid Jamal Abro, SESSI Commissioner Hadi Bux Kalhoro, senior medical staff and hospital administration.

According to officials, the total number of cases has increased with the detection of 16 new infections, while fears persist that more cases may surface. Parents of the affected children complained of lack of cooperation from the hospital administration, shortage of medicines, inappropriate staff behaviour and delays in reimbursement of treatment costs.

Expressing dissatisfaction over the hospital's management, the ombudsperson observed that apparent financial mismanagement may have contributed to the spread of the virus among children. He directed authorities to improve administrative oversight and ensure accountability.

Rajput ordered the immediate hiring of trained staff and recommended induction of professionals from the public health sector into senior positions. He also instructed officials to arrange deputation of doctors from Sindh Infectious Diseases Hospital for a period of six months.

The ombudsperson further directed the hospital administration to ensure timely provision of medicines, dietary supplements and other essential supplies, and ordered the establishment of a help desk at the hospital's entrance to facilitate patients.

Rajput also ordered that a reputable audit firm be engaged within two weeks to conduct a comprehensive audit of the hospital's financial and administrative affairs.