A large-scale HIV screening campaign launched after the emergence of cases at Karachi’s Kulsum Bai Valika Hospital has identified 141 HIV-positive individuals, prompting authorities to intensify investigations and strengthen preventive measures across Sindh.
Speaking at a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on National Health Regulation and Coordination, Sindh Labour and Human Resources Minister Saeed Ghani said more than 10,500 people were screened in and around Valika Hospital. Of them, 120 tested positive for HIV, including 81 children of registered Sindh Employees’ Social Security Institution (SESSI) workers, while the remaining 39 had no affiliation with the institution.
Ghani said the provincial government has assumed responsibility for providing treatment to all affected children and is working to ensure they receive the best possible medical care. He added that a panel of leading healthcare experts and hospitals is being formed to oversee the treatment process.
As part of precautionary measures, HIV screening was also expanded to Landhi Hospital and surrounding areas. More than 7,500 people were tested, with 21 additional HIV-positive cases confirmed. According to the minister, these individuals had no previous record of treatment at the hospital, suggesting that some infections may have originated from other sources.
The minister also revealed that final show-cause notices had been issued to 37 doctors, paramedics and hospital officials following inquiry committee recommendations into the Valika Hospital incident. He warned that anyone found responsible for criminal negligence would face both departmental and legal action.
To support affected families, Ghani announced that a Rs2 billion endowment fund has been established under SESSI. The fund will be managed by an independent body to ensure transparency and provide long-term assistance to those impacted by the outbreak.
