The Sindh Employees’ Social Security Institution (SESSI) has initiated departmental action following the HIV outbreak among children at Kulsoom Bai Valika Hospital in Karachi. Two doctors have been suspended, a dispenser removed, and 37 medical and administrative staff issued show-cause notices as investigations into the incident intensify. The outbreak has left 78 children diagnosed with HIV.
Doctors Suspended and Staff Noticed
According to an official notification, Dr Amanullah Memon and Dr Huma Aman have been suspended with immediate effect and directed to report to the SESSI head office. The inquiry committee accused both doctors of negligence, maladministration, and violations of medical protocols. Dispenser Basharat Khan has also been removed from his duties. Additionally, 37 employees have been served show-cause notices and instructed to submit their replies within 14 days.
Hospital at the Center of the Scandal
Kulsoom Bai Valika Hospital is the same facility where dozens of children were allegedly infected with HIV due to the use of reused or unsafe syringes. Sindh Labour Minister Saeed Ghani confirmed that 78 children treated at the hospital have tested positive for HIV. He assured that no doctor, official, or medical staff member found responsible will be considered above the law, and strict action will be taken.
Legal and Public Reaction
The Sindh High Court is also hearing the case. During the last hearing, the court directed the provincial government to submit a detailed report within two weeks, explaining how the virus spread, who was responsible, and what measures are being taken to prevent future incidents. Meanwhile, parents of affected children and residents of Pathan Colony expressed shock and anger. They said they had taken their children to the hospital for minor illnesses but instead they contracted a lifelong disease. The families have demanded criminal proceedings against those responsible, in addition to departmental action, and called on the government to assume full responsibility for treatment, medicines, and financial support of the affected children.
Infection Control Concerns
Preliminary investigations have raised serious concerns over the hospital's infection control system, syringe usage, medical waste disposal, and monitoring procedures. Teams from the Health Department and SESSI are examining different aspects of the case to determine the exact cause of the outbreak and identify those responsible. The incident has cast a serious shadow over Sindh's public healthcare system. Health experts say strict adherence to medical protocols, effective infection-control oversight, and safe handling of syringes and other medical equipment could have prevented the tragedy.
With departmental proceedings now underway, affected families and the public are watching closely to see whether the investigation reaches its logical conclusion, those responsible are held accountable, and the 78 affected children receive justice, treatment, and long-term support.
