The number of children diagnosed with HIV linked to Kulsoom Bai Valika Hospital in Karachi has reached 80 after two more cases were reported.
One of the latest cases involves a three-year-old girl from Metroville. Her father said she was taken to the hospital for treatment of a chest infection before she was later diagnosed with HIV.
He said the child’s health condition declined after receiving treatment. Doctors then advised medical tests, which confirmed that she had tested positive for the virus.
The new cases have raised concerns over the safety standards and medical procedures at the hospital, which is operated by the Sindh Employees’ Social Security Institution (SESSI).
Authorities had earlier confirmed that several children receiving treatment at the facility were infected with HIV. Officials said a comprehensive investigation would be conducted to determine the cause and identify those responsible.
The Sindh High Court has also sought an explanation from the provincial government regarding the HIV outbreak at the hospital.
The court’s action came after a petition raised concerns about a large number of children being affected. The petitioner alleged that negligence, including the possible reuse of contaminated syringes, may have contributed to the spread of infections.
Sindh Labour Minister Saeed Ghani termed the issue serious and assured that strict measures would be taken after the investigation.
SESSI has allocated Rs2 billion to establish an endowment fund for the medical treatment and welfare support of affected children.
