SHC orders chief secretary-led inquiry into HIV cases at Karachi's Valika hospital

The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Thursday ordered the provincial government to form a committee led by the chief secretary to probe the HIV outbreak at Karachi’s Kulsoom Bai Valika Hospital.

A two-member bench comprising Justice Adnanul Karim Memon and Justice Muhammad Jaffer Raza issued the directions during the hearing.

The court ordered that two Grade-20 officers, who have no administrative links with the hospital or the ongoing inquiry, should also be part of the committee.

The inquiry comes after Sindh Labour Minister Saeed Ghani said that six children were among at least 78 patients who contracted HIV at the hospital.

Justice Adnanul Karim Memon said the matter involved serious concerns about human life and public health.

The committee has been tasked with examining patient records and determining how the virus was transmitted. It will also investigate whether disposable syringes, medical equipment or other items were reused at the hospital.

It will specifically examine records concerning the purchase, storage and use of auto-lock syringes.
The inquiry will also assess the roles of doctors, nurses, technical staff and administrative officials and determine whether the Disposable Syringes Act or any other relevant law was breached.

The committee will have access to hospital records, reports and CCTV footage and must submit its findings to the court within two months. If the inquiry establishes wrongdoing, the committee will recommend departmental or criminal proceedings against those responsible.

The court also directed the chief secretary to ensure that all affected children receive proper and uninterrupted medical care. The Sindh government or the social security institution concerned will be responsible for their medical expenses, including medicines and diagnostic tests.

The court said compensation or other legal relief for the affected children and their families should also be determined according to the law.