The Sindh government has announced a large-scale HIV screening campaign after reports of a suspected outbreak in Karachi’s Pathan Colony and Kulsoom Bai Valika Hospital raised serious public health concerns.
According to official sources, the Sindh AIDS Control Programme will begin emergency HIV testing in both the hospital and the surrounding Pathan Colony area. The campaign aims to identify infected individuals at an early stage and ensure they receive timely medical care.
The federal government has pledged full support for the initiative. As part of its assistance, it will provide 50,000 HIV testing kits to the Sindh AIDS Control Programme to help expand screening efforts across the affected locations.
Under the emergency plan, every suspected patient visiting Kulsoom Bai Valika Hospital will undergo HIV testing. At the same time, health teams will conduct screening of residents in Pathan Colony to determine the extent of the suspected spread.
Officials said individuals who test positive during the campaign will be registered immediately in the government’s treatment programme. They will be provided with free medicines, medical care, and follow-up treatment through public health facilities.
The screening drive comes as authorities continue investigating an outbreak involving children at Kulsoom Bai Valika Hospital. Earlier, the Sindh Employees’ Social Security Institution (SESSI) initiated disciplinary action against several hospital employees following preliminary findings of negligence and administrative failures.
According to an official notification, Dr. Amanullah Memon and Dr. Huma Aman have been suspended with immediate effect and directed to report to the SESSI head office. The inquiry committee cited alleged negligence, poor administration, and failure to follow established medical procedures.
In addition, dispenser Basharat Khan has been removed from duty, while show-cause notices have been issued to 37 doctors, nurses, administrative officials, and other staff members. They have been instructed to submit written explanations within 14 days.
The disciplinary measures follow reports that 78 children have been diagnosed with HIV, prompting urgent action from health authorities. Officials say investigations are ongoing to determine the source of the outbreak and identify any failures in infection control practices.
Health authorities have urged residents to cooperate with the screening campaign, emphasizing that early detection and treatment remain essential to preventing the further spread of HIV in the affected communities.
Also Read: Karachi Reports Alarming HIV Outbreak Among Children
