Sindh High Court Seeks Health Secretary, Police Chief's Response on HIV Outbreak Reports

The Sindh High Court is demanding answers regarding a reported HIV outbreak at Karachi's Kulsum Bai Valika SESSI Hospital. A citizen's petition brought the issue before a two-member bench, citing media reports of 84 to over 200 children allegedly infected through the reuse of contaminated syringes and medical negligence. The petition highlighted that despite these alarming reports and a legal notice sent to authorities, no transparent or time-bound inquiry has been conducted to hold responsible officials and medical staff accountable.

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the reported HIV outbreak at Kulsum Bai Valika SESSI Hospital, SITE, Karachi, allegedly caused by the reuse of contaminated syringes and gross medical negligence, resulting in the infection of approximately 84 to over 200 children, with several reported fatalities

The court's written order acknowledged the gravity of the situation, noting the alleged fatalities among the infected children. The petitioner sought an independent inquiry, criminal proceedings, disclosure of any inquiry reports, and compensation for the victims. However, the only action taken so far was a communication from the Labour and Human Resources Department requesting a report from the hospital's governing body, the Sindh Employees Social Security Institution (SESSI).

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despite repeated reports in the national media regarding the HIV outbreak, no transparent, independent or time-bound inquiry has been conducted to fix responsibility upon the officials and medical staff allegedly involved

The bench emphasized the hospital's role as a public facility serving insured workers and their dependents, stressing its statutory duty to provide safe and adequate medical treatment. The court's intervention signals a serious concern over the alleged medical negligence and the apparent lack of a thorough investigation into the matter.

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no effective action has been taken except for a communication