Summary
- At the same time, Sindh Labour Minister Saeed Ghani announced the establishment of a Rs2 billion endowment fund to support the long-term treatment and welfare of affected children.
- Alongside the disciplinary measures, Sindh Labour Minister Saeed Ghani announced the creation of a Rs2 billion endowment fund aimed at providing long-term financial assistance to children affected by HIV.
- The matter is also under review in the Sindh High Court, which has directed the provincial government and relevant authorities to submit progress reports on the investigation, identify those responsible, and explain the measures being taken to provide treatment and support for the affected children.
Authorities have expanded disciplinary action in the HIV outbreak case linked to Karachi’s Kulsoom Bai Valika Hospital, suspending 17 additional nursing staff members as investigations continue into the infection of dozens of children. At the same time, Sindh Labour Minister Saeed Ghani announced the establishment of a Rs2 billion endowment fund to support the long-term treatment and welfare of affected children.
According to an official notification, the newly suspended employees include one matron, one nursing sister, nine staff nurses, and six nurse aides. All suspended employees have been instructed to report immediately to the SESSI headquarters, while separate show-cause notices have also been issued seeking their responses to the allegations.
Officials said the departmental inquiry will continue until the investigation is completed and appropriate decisions are made based on the findings.
Earlier in the same case, two doctors were suspended, while one dispenser was removed from duty. With the latest suspensions, the total number of employees facing disciplinary action has reached 20. Authorities had initially issued show-cause notices to 37 officers and staff members as part of the inquiry.
Alongside the disciplinary measures, Sindh Labour Minister Saeed Ghani announced the creation of a Rs2 billion endowment fund aimed at providing long-term financial assistance to children affected by HIV. The fund will cover medical treatment, medicines, laboratory tests, ongoing healthcare, educational support, and other welfare needs to ensure sustained assistance for affected families.
The minister said the initiative is intended to guarantee continuous medical care and social support, recognizing that HIV treatment requires lifelong monitoring and access to specialized healthcare services.
The HIV outbreak first came to light in October 2025, when the hospital identified its first pediatric case. Subsequent investigations uncovered additional infections, and the number of confirmed cases continued to rise over the following months.
According to the latest official figures, 78 children have so far tested positive for HIV in connection with the case. The incident has prompted widespread public concern and raised questions about infection prevention protocols, hospital safety standards, and healthcare oversight.
The matter is also under review in the Sindh High Court, which has directed the provincial government and relevant authorities to submit progress reports on the investigation, identify those responsible, and explain the measures being taken to provide treatment and support for the affected children.
The next court hearing is scheduled for July 22, when officials are expected to present updated investigation findings and details of the government’s response.
The case has become one of Pakistan’s most significant public health investigations in recent years, with authorities under increasing pressure to ensure accountability, strengthen hospital safety procedures, and provide comprehensive care for the affected children and their families.
