Sixteen more children have been diagnosed with HIV at Kulsum Bai Valika Hospital in Karachi, prompting the Sindh Ombudsman to express serious concern and review the hospital’s performance.
The hearing, chaired by Sindh Ombudsman Muhammad Sohail Rajput, was attended by Sindh Labour Secretary Sajid Jamal Abro, SESSI Commissioner Hadi Bakhsh Kalhoro, senior medical officials, the hospital’s medical superintendent and the parents of affected children.
During the proceedings, officials informed the ombudsman that 16 additional children had tested positive for HIV and warned that more cases could emerge.
Parents of the affected children complained about the hospital administration’s lack of cooperation, shortages of medicines, delays in covering treatment costs and administrative shortcomings.
The ombudsman directed the hospital to deploy adequately trained staff and seek the temporary deputation of specialist doctors from the Sindh Infectious Diseases Hospital for six months.
He also instructed the authorities to ensure the timely supply of medicines, nutritional supplements and other essential medical items.
Muhammad Sohail Rajput said the hospital’s financial management appeared to be one of the possible factors behind the spread of HIV and ordered an independent financial audit by a reputable audit firm within two weeks.
He further directed authorities to implement rehabilitation measures for affected families, provide compensation to the families of deceased children, ensure continued treatment and psychological support for affected patients, launch a public awareness campaign and establish an immediate help desk at the hospital.
The Sindh Ombudsman adjourned the hearing for two weeks.
