Chief Secretary-Led Committee Given Two Months to Submit Findings
The Sindh High Court has ordered a high-level investigation into the spread of HIV among children at Kulsoom Bai Valika Hospital in Karachi.
A two-member bench, headed by Justice Adnanul Karim Memon and including Justice Muhammad Jaffer Raza, directed the Sindh government to form an inquiry committee.
The committee will be headed by the Sindh chief secretary. It must submit its investigation report to the court within two months.
The case has raised serious concerns over patient safety and hospital management. Earlier, Sindh Labour Minister Saeed Ghani had confirmed that six of at least 78 HIV-infected children had died.
The court ordered that the inquiry committee include two Grade-20 officers. These officers must have no direct administrative connection with the hospital or the investigation.
Justice Adnan observed that the case involved serious responsibilities linked to human life and public health.
Inquiry to Examine Syringe Reuse, Medical Equipment and Staff Responsibility
The committee will examine the records of affected children and review evidence related to the transmission of HIV.
Investigators will determine whether disposable syringes or other medical equipment were reused at the hospital.
The committee will also examine records concerning the purchase, storage and use of auto-lock syringes.
Medical, nursing, technical and administrative officials will come under scrutiny. The inquiry will determine whether negligence or misconduct contributed to the infections.
The committee will also investigate possible violations of the Disposable Syringes Act and other relevant laws.
Officials conducting the probe will have access to hospital records, reports and CCTV footage.
If evidence establishes responsibility, the committee has been directed to recommend departmental or criminal action against those involved.
Court Orders Free Treatment, Compensation and Protection for Affected Children
The Sindh High Court directed the chief secretary to ensure uninterrupted and appropriate medical treatment for all affected children.
The provincial government or the relevant social security institution must cover all treatment costs. This includes medicines, medical tests and other necessary healthcare expenses.
The court also directed authorities to determine compensation or other relief for affected children and their families in accordance with the law.
Authorities were ordered to prevent discrimination against children living with HIV. Their identities and medical information must remain confidential and protected.
The chief secretary and health secretary were also instructed to ensure strict implementation of the Disposable Syringes Act and other relevant healthcare laws.
During the hearing, the court also took notice of the conduct of petitioner’s lawyer Tariq Mansoor.
The court observed that the lawyer allegedly encouraged people accompanying him inside the courtroom and allowed videos to be recorded. The disruption forced judges to move to their chambers to complete the proceedings.
The bench said the conduct appeared, at first sight, to constitute contempt of court.
A show-cause notice was issued to the lawyer. He was ordered to submit a written response and appear personally in the contempt proceedings.
The Sindh High Court Bar and Sindh Bar Council were also directed to take appropriate legal action over the matter.
