120 people including 78 children are HIV positive in Pakistan, 6 died, negligence in hospital exposed

Karachi Hospital HIV Case: A case that is shocking to the health system has come to light from Karachi city of Pakistan. At least 78 children have become vulnerable to HIV infection due to alleged negligence in a government hospital here. Investigations have revealed that there were serious deficiencies in the disposal of used needles and medical waste at the hospital, which increased the risk of spread of infection.

This case is related to Walika Hospital run under Sindh Employees Social Security Institution (SESSI) located in Site area of ​​Karachi. The health department started investigation after cases of HIV infection in children were reported.

More than 10 thousand people were examined

After receiving information about the spread of the infection, a large-scale screening campaign was conducted in the hospital and surrounding areas. During this period, more than 10,500 people were tested, in which apart from children, about 120 other people were also found HIV positive. According to reports, so far 6 people have been confirmed dead in this case.

Serious negligence revealed in investigation

When the investigation team of Sindh Healthcare Commission inspected the hospital, many major shortcomings were revealed in the rules to prevent infection. The investigation found that at some places there was a possibility of reusing used single-use needles and syringes. Apart from this, the process of safe disposal of used needles was also not being followed properly.

The report also revealed that staff at the hospital were not given adequate training in handling medical waste. There was negligence in the management of waste that could spread infection.

Questions were also raised on medical facilities

During the investigation, absence of staff and lack of arrangements in some departments of the hospital also came to light. Questions were also raised regarding the duty arrangements of operation theater and nursing staff. At the same time, the investigation team also expressed concern about the condition of the autoclave machine that disinfects medical equipment.

Action against 37 employees

Following the case, the Sindh government has taken strict action and suspended 37 officers and employees, including hospital administrators, lab staff and nursing staff. The investigation also revealed that an infection control committee was present in the hospital, but due to mutual disputes among the employees and negligence in following safety rules, this system could not work effectively.

Such cases have come to light earlier also

This is not the first major case of HIV infection in Sindh province. Earlier in the year 2019, an incident of spread of HIV infection was also reported in Ratodero area. Even at that time, unsafe injections and negligence in the medical system were cited as the reasons.

At present, the Sindh government has promised to bear the expenses of the treatment of the affected children and provide long-term assistance to them. However, this incident has raised serious questions about Pakistan’s health system and the safety of patients.