KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has announced a zero-tolerance policy toward negligence in healthcare following an HIV outbreak at the Sindh Employees’ Social Security Institution (SESSI)-run KulsumBai Valika Hospital. The outbreak has resulted in 78 children testing positive for HIV, prompting the suspension of 37 officers and the establishment of a Rs2 billion Endowment Fund for the affected children.

According to Chief Minister Sindh, the issue first emerged on October 23, 2025, with initial reports of six HIV-positive cases. An inquiry by the Labour and Human Resources Department, alongside a committee led by SESSI’s Medical Advisor, revealed significant failures in infection control at the hospital. The inquiry identified 16 HIV-positive children linked to the Paediatrics Department and uncovered failures including the misuse of medical equipment and inadequate infection-prevention protocols.

In response, the Sindh government has initiated several corrective measures. These include the creation of an Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) Centre at the hospital and the development of HIV prevention protocols circulated to all SESSI healthcare facilities. Additionally, 300 medical staff were screened, resulting in the identification of two further HIV-positive employees.

Disciplinary actions have been taken, with show-cause notices issued to responsible personnel, and a comprehensive inquiry led by Chief Medical Officer Dr. Naila Zaheer has recommended penalties for those accountable. The Provincial Ombudsman has also issued directives for improvements, including the establishment of an isolation ward for HIV-positive children and a special audit of hospital operations.

Furthermore, the chief minister has engaged Aga Khan University Hospital’s Prof Dr. Fatima Mir for specialized consultation and treatment for the affected children. The government has pledged to provide uninterrupted care and support for these children and their families, alongside a province-wide review of infection-control practices to prevent future outbreaks.

The chief minister emphasized the need for stringent accountability and systemic reforms to enhance healthcare quality and patient safety across SESSI facilities, ensuring such an incident does not reoccur.