Two doctors suspended as 78 children test HIV-positive at Karachi's Valika hospital

KARACHI: Disciplinary proceedings have widened at Karachi’s Kulsoom Bai Valika Hospital after an HIV outbreak among child patients, with the Sindh Employees’ Social Security Institution suspending two doctors, taking a dispenser off duty and seeking explanations from dozens of staff members while investigations continue.

An official notification stated that Dr Amanullah Memon and Dr Huma Aman were suspended with immediate effect and told to report to the SESSI head office. The inquiry committee has held both doctors responsible for negligence, maladministration and breaches of medical protocols. Dispenser Basharat Khan has also been removed from his assignment, while show-cause notices have been issued to 37 doctors, nurses and other medical and administrative employees, who have been asked to respond within 14 days.

The hospital is the same facility where children were allegedly exposed to HIV through the use of reused or otherwise unsafe syringes. Sindh Labour Minister Saeed Ghani has confirmed that 78 children who received treatment there have tested positive for HIV. He said no doctor, official or staff member found culpable in the matter would be treated as above the law and that firm action would follow.

Court scrutiny and inquiry focus

The matter is also before the Sindh High Court. At the latest hearing, the court directed the provincial government to place on record a detailed report within two weeks, setting out how the infection spread, identifying those responsible and explaining what steps are being taken to stop such incidents from happening again.

Preliminary findings have pointed to major weaknesses in the hospital’s infection-control arrangements, including concerns related to syringe handling, disposal of medical waste and oversight mechanisms. Teams from the Health Department and SESSI are examining multiple aspects of the episode to determine the precise cause of the outbreak and fix responsibility.

Families demand criminal action and support

Parents of the affected children and residents of Pathan Colony have reacted with anger and distress, saying they had brought their children to the hospital for minor health problems but were instead confronted with a lifelong illness. The families have called for criminal proceedings alongside departmental measures against those found responsible.

They have also urged the government to take full responsibility for treatment, medicines and financial assistance for the infected children. The case has intensified concern over standards in Sindh’s public healthcare system, with the inquiry now being closely watched by families seeking accountability, sustained medical care and long-term support for the 78 children.