78 Children Infected With HIV at Karachi Hospital, Sindh Government Promises Action

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Karachi: Sindh authorities have confirmed that at least 78 children contracted HIV at a government-run hospital in Karachi, with officials promising a thorough investigation and strict action against anyone found responsible.

Sindh Labour Minister Saeed Ghani described the cases at Kulsoom Bai Valika Hospital, operated by the Sindh Employees' Social Security Institution (SESSI), as a 'serious issue' and assured affected families that the government would provide complete medical treatment and support.

The minister said an inquiry was launched after reports of the infections emerged in late 2025, leading to the suspension of several officials. A second inquiry was later ordered following intervention by the provincial ombudsman.

The issue is currently before the Sindh High Court, where a petitioner has claimed that the actual number of infected children could be as high as 200. Ghani said authorities have so far verified 78 cases, while investigations into additional cases are continuing.

He stressed that negligence would not be tolerated and that action would be taken against anyone found responsible, including doctors, paramedical staff and other officials. However, he said preliminary findings indicated that the outbreak was not caused by the reuse of syringes, as the hospital uses auto-disable syringes that cannot be reused.

Pic Credit: AFP