Sindh Provincial Ombudsman Mohammad Sohail Rajput has ordered an urgent investigation after 16 more children were diagnosed with HIV at Kulsum Bai Valika Hospital. The development has raised concerns over medical services, medicine availability and hospital administration.
The families of affected children raised several concerns during a hearing chaired by Rajput. Senior officials of the Sindh Employees’ Social Security Institution, hospital administrators and parents attended the proceedings.
The families alleged that essential medicines were not always available at the hospital. They also complained about a lack of cooperation from hospital officials and delays in the reimbursement of treatment expenses.
Rajput criticised the hospital’s performance and ordered immediate measures to improve its medical and administrative services. He directed authorities to explore deputing doctors from Sindh Infectious Diseases Hospital for six months according to the hospital’s requirements.
The ombudsman also ordered the hospital administration to ensure uninterrupted supplies of medicines, nutritional supplements and other essential items required by the affected children. He stressed that patients should not face difficulties in accessing necessary treatment.
Rajput further directed authorities to identify a reputable audit firm within two weeks. The firm will conduct a comprehensive audit of the hospital’s financial and administrative affairs.
He also called for qualified medical and administrative professionals to be appointed where necessary. The move is aimed at improving hospital management and strengthening healthcare services for affected children and their families.
The ombudsman directed the director general of labour to take steps to reinstate workers who lost their jobs while caring for their affected children. He also ordered compensation for families who lost children.
Rajput called for comprehensive rehabilitation services for children living with HIV. He further directed authorities to appoint qualified psychologists to provide counselling and psychosocial support to affected children and their families.
The ombudsman also ordered a public awareness campaign through print, electronic and social media. The campaign will focus on HIV diagnosis, treatment, prevention and the importance of seeking timely medical care.
The hearing was adjourned for two weeks. Authorities have been directed to take immediate action on the concerns raised by the families and submit a progress report on the measures ordered by the ombudsman.
Also read: Sindh Submits HIV Outbreak Report to SHC
