HIV case uproar: SHC judges retire to chambers

KARACHI:

The Sindh High Court judges retired to their chambers amid uproar during a hearing on alleged HIV transmission to children treated at Valika Hospital.

Petitioner's counsel Tariq Mansoor said nine children had died while the case remained pending and alleged that inquiry records were being concealed. He claimed around 1,200 children had been diagnosed with HIV in Sindh and alleged that reused syringes had caused infections.

Affected persons told the court that four or five children were being treated on one bed and that the same syringe was repeatedly used. One father said his three children had been injected with the same syringe.

The SESSI counsel said officials had been suspended, show-cause notices issued and Rs2 billion allocated for affected people.

After the court reserved its order, shouting erupted. The judges left the courtroom amid demands for justice.