SHC seeks report on Valika Hospital HIV case Karachi

SHC seeks report on Valika Hospital Karachi after 107 children test HIV positive

KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) has directed the provincial government to submit a detailed report within two weeks over the alleged HIV outbreak among children linked to treatment at the Kulsum Bai Valika Social Security SITE Hospital in Karachi. The court order came during a hearing of a petition seeking action over reported infections caused by the reuse of contaminated syringes. The case has drawn serious public concern after it was revealed that 107 children have tested positive, while multiple deaths have also been reported. The matter continues to raise questions about hospital practices and official response.

During the proceedings, a large number of HIV-positive children and their parents were present in the courtroom. The petitioners’ counsel accused the Sindh government of gross negligence, alleging that unsafe medical practices at Valika Hospital led to widespread infection among children. The hearing highlighted concerns over delayed action, missing inquiry findings, and lack of formal legal proceedings despite months passing since the initial outbreak.

Court questions handling of HIV outbreak and seeks official report

The petition argued that the alleged reuse of contaminated syringes at the government-run hospital resulted in hundreds of children contracting HIV. The lawyer representing the petitioners told the court that nine children had died, while many others continued to suffer from the infection. He added that despite eight months passing since the reported deaths, no meaningful action had been taken by the authorities.

The counsel further stated that although an inquiry was initiated following a legal notice, its findings were neither presented before the court nor shared with affected families. It was also submitted that international organisations, including UNICEF, had expressed concern over the situation. The petitioners also highlighted that First Information Reports (FIRs) had not been registered in connection with the reported deaths.

Responding to the arguments, Justice Adnan Karim noted that while the matter was serious, the court must proceed according to legal procedure. Justice Adnan Iqbal also observed that the court would reach a conclusion only after receiving responses from all relevant parties.

The bench directed the Sindh government to submit a detailed report within two weeks and issued notices to all respondents. The hearing was subsequently adjourned until July 20.

HIV cases linked to Valika Hospital reach 107 children

The hearing came a day after confirmation that a three-year-old girl from Orangi Town tested positive for HIV, bringing the total number of affected children linked to the outbreak to 107. According to the child’s family, the infection was confirmed through multiple laboratory tests, including Rapid Detect, Uni-Gold, and HIV Combo (Ag/Ab).

The family stated that the child had received treatment at the same hospital and later developed health complications, which led to further testing. The case has intensified concerns among affected families, many of whom have raised allegations regarding the reuse of syringes during treatment.

Health authorities have confirmed that 107 children from Orangi Town have tested positive so far, while nine children from Zia Colony have died due to complications linked to the outbreak. In February, Federal Minister for National Health Services Syed Mustafa Kamal had publicly stated that the outbreak was caused by the reuse of contaminated syringes at the hospital.

He also informed the National Assembly on June 10 that five types of syringes had been banned following rising HIV cases in different parts of the country, including Islamabad and Taunsa.
(SOURCE:ARYNEWS)