KARACHI: (Staff Reporter) – Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Monday chaired a special meeting to review the HIV cases reported at Kulsoom Bai Valika Hospital in Karachi and assess measures taken to address the situation.
The meeting was attended by Provincial Minister for Labour Saeed Ghani, Chief Secretary Sindh Asif Haider Shah, Secretary to CM Mohammad Asif Jameel, Secretary Labour Sajid Jamal Abro, Secretary Health Tahir Solangi, Commissioner SESSI and other senior officials.
During the meeting, the chief minister made it clear that negligence in providing healthcare services would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Officials briefed Murad Ali Shah that 78 children had so far been diagnosed with HIV at the hospital. The first case was identified on October 23, 2025, following which the chief minister ordered an impartial investigation into the matter.
The Sindh government has allocated Rs2 billion for the treatment of HIV-affected children and support for their families.
Labour Minister Saeed Ghani informed the meeting that 37 officials and staff members, including former and current administrators, doctors, nurses and other employees, had been suspended over alleged negligence.
A Journey Toward a New Global Commitment Against HIV
He added that departmental action was initiated in December 2025 against 10 officers, including the former Medical Superintendent. The inquiry committee completed its investigation and submitted its report on June 19, 2026.
According to the report, several officials were found responsible for administrative, supervisory and operational failures. Following the findings, SESSI introduced corrective measures to improve healthcare standards and prevent similar incidents.
Officials informed the chief minister that a dedicated antiretroviral therapy centre for HIV-affected children had been established at Kulsoom Bai Valika Hospital. Medical services at the facility are now fully operational, while a separate isolation ward has also been established for HIV-positive children.
Murad Ali Shah directed that all SESSI hospitals be equipped with modern healthcare facilities, improved infection control systems and enhanced patient safety measures.
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