Safety Lapses at Govt Hospital Linked to HIV Cases, Sindh CM Told

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has been informed of critical safety lapses at the Valika Hospital, which have been linked to an outbreak of HIV cases. Two separate inquiries, conducted in 2025 and 2026, identified multiple failures in infection-prevention protocols by healthcare staff. These included non-adherence to sterilization practices, mishandling of single-use syringes, and inadequate use of personal protective equipment.

The outbreak, which first surfaced in October 2025 with six reported cases, has now led to 78 children being identified as HIV positive. The inquiries highlighted a lack of standard operating procedures, insufficient biohazard containers, poor documentation, and inadequate follow-up for affected patients and their families. The chief minister expressed zero tolerance for negligence in healthcare delivery.

In response, Chief Minister Shah has ordered a comprehensive review of infection-control practices across all Sindh Employees Social Security Institution (SESSI) healthcare facilities province-wide. He has also directed the Labour Department to ensure strict accountability, uninterrupted treatment, and long-term rehabilitation for the affected children. Disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against dozens of officials and healthcare workers implicated in the failures.

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negligence in healthcare delivery would not be tolerated under any circumstances.