Karachi: Sixteen more children have tested positive for HIV in the ongoing outbreak linked to Kulsoom Bai Valika Hospital, raising fresh concerns over the continuing spread of infection as the Sindh Ombudsman on Tuesday ordered an independent financial audit of the hospital and directed authorities to strengthen clinical and support services for affected families.
The latest cases came to light during a hearing chaired by Sindh Ombudsman Muhammad Sohail Rajput, who reviewed the hospital’s management, treatment of HIV-positive children and the support being provided to affected families.
The hearing was attended by Sindh Labour Secretary Sajid Jamal Abro, Sindh Employees’ Social Security Institution (SESSI) Commissioner Hadi Bakhsh Kalhoro, senior medical adviser and focal person Dr Saadat, Medical Superintendent Dr Ghayasuddin, and parents of affected children.
Officials informed the hearing that another 16 children had recently been diagnosed with HIV and warned that more cases could emerge as screening and investigations continue.
Parents of affected children complained of inadequate cooperation from the hospital administration, shortages of medicines, poor staff attitude and delays in reimbursement of treatment-related expenses.
Expressing dissatisfaction over the hospital’s performance, the ombudsman directed the authorities to recruit trained personnel and appoint experienced public health professionals to senior management positions. He also asked officials to explore the deputation of infectious disease specialists from the Sindh Infectious Diseases Hospital for an initial period of six months.
Muhammad Sohail Rajput directed the hospital administration to ensure uninterrupted availability of antiretroviral medicines, dietary supplements and other essential medical supplies for affected children.
He observed that the hospital’s financial management appeared to have contributed to the current situation and ordered that a reputed audit firm be engaged within two weeks to conduct an independent review of its financial affairs.
The ombudsman also instructed the Director General Labour to develop a rehabilitation plan for workers who had lost their jobs while caring for HIV-infected children. He further directed the authorities to ensure compensation for families whose children had died and rehabilitation support for those still undergoing treatment.
Recognising the psychological burden on affected families, he ordered the appointment of psychologists to provide counselling services and directed the authorities to launch a public awareness campaign through mainstream and social media on HIV prevention, diagnosis and treatment.