Valika Hospital debacle: 120 test HIV positive after mass screening

Sindh Labour and Human Resources Minister Saeed Ghani on Thursday said that HIV screening was being carried out in all hospitals run by the Sindh Employees' Social Security Institution (SESSI) under the Health Department's Communicable Disease Control programme.

Speaking at a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on National Health Regulation and Coordination, Ghani said final show-cause notices had been issued to 37 doctors, paramedics and officials following recommendations of inquiry committees probing HIV cases at the Kulsum Bai Valika Hospital. He added that those found guilty of criminal negligence would face departmental action as well as criminal proceedings.

The meeting, chaired by Senator Aamir Aliuddin Chishti, was attended by Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal and other members, along with senior provincial officials.

Briefing the committee, the minister said more than 10,500 people had been screened in and around Valika Hospital after the cases surfaced, with 120 testing positive. Of these, 81 were children of registered SESSI employees, while 39 had no such affiliation. "We have taken responsibility for the treatment of all affected children," he added.

Ghani said screening had also been extended to Landhi Hospital and adjoining localities as a precautionary measure. Around 7,500 people had been tested there, with 21 positive cases detected. He added that these patients had no prior hospital history, suggesting possible external sources of infection in some cases.

Responding to questions, the minister said he had taken responsibility for the issue and that a committee comprising leading doctors and hospitals was being formed to ensure the best possible treatment for affected individuals.

He added that a Rs2 billion endowment fund had been established under SESSI for the welfare of affected families, to be overseen by an independent and autonomous body to ensure transparency.