Big case of HIV infection in Pakistan: Government hospital accused of negligence, dozens of children infected

Islamabad/Karachi. A case of HIV infection linked to a government hospital in Pakistan’s Sindh province has raised serious questions on the health system. According to government officials, at least 78 children have been confirmed to have HIV infection so far, while six children have died in the infection case related to Karachi’s Kulsoom Bai Walika Hospital. The investigation into the matter is ongoing and the Health Department has initiated action considering it a serious public health crisis.

Shocking figures revealed in investigation

According to Pakistani media reports, Sindh Government’s Labor and Social Protection Minister Saeed Ghani told a press conference that about 10,500 people have been tested so far in the affected area. Of these, 120 people have been confirmed to be HIV infected, a large number of whom are children.

He said that medical assistance is being provided to the affected families and a team of specialist doctors is monitoring the entire case. The government says that the possibility of further increase in the number of infected people cannot be ruled out until the investigation is completed.

What is being said to be the cause of infection?

According to preliminary investigation and media reports, the main cause of infection is believed to be non-compliance of infection control rules in hospitals. It is alleged that serious negligence was done in the use of injection and multi-dose medicine vials, which increased the risk of spread of infection.

Experts say that if equipment used on an infected person is reused or if infection control standards are not followed, the risk of infections spreading through blood may increase.

Action after investigation report

According to Minister Saeed Ghani, the investigation committee formed on the instructions of the Lokpal had submitted its report to the government on June 19. After receiving the report, a total of 37 employees associated with the concerned hospital and health system have been suspended.

The government has said that departmental and legal action will be taken against those responsible and the infection control system will be further strengthened to prevent recurrence of such incidents in future.

Cases had come to light earlier also

According to reports, 331 cases of children found infected with HIV were recorded in Karachi between November 2024 and October 2025. After this, the health department started investigation in many hospitals and clinics.

Some international media reports also claimed that serious infection control lapses in the use of injections and multi-dose vials were observed during an undercover investigation at a hospital. However, these claims have not been independently officially confirmed and investigating agencies are investigating the entire matter.

Questions raised on health system

After this incident, a wide debate has erupted regarding Pakistan’s government health services, infection control system and adherence to medical protocols in hospitals. Experts believe that strict adherence to safe injection practices and infection prevention rules in hospitals is extremely important to prevent such incidents.