16 more children found infected with HIV at Karachi’s Valika Hospital, ombudsman told

• Tally rises to 94 as Sindh govt had earlier confirmed 78 cases at Valika Hospital • Ombudsman orders comprehensive audit of hospital’s affairs KARACHI: Sindh Ombudsman Mohammad Sohail Rajput was informed on Tuesday that 16 more children were infected with HIV/AIDs at the Sindh Employees Social Security Institution (SESSI)-run Kulsoom Bai Valika Hospital. The ombudsman was hearing a case pertaining to an HIV outbreak at Valika Hospital, where the provincial government confirmed that 78 children had been infected with the infectious disease so far. During the hearing, Adviser to Ombudsman Haani Jamal Khan presented a report on the outbreak, which showed that 16 more children had been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, while concerns remained high that more cases might emerge. The fresh findings brought the total number of HIV-infected children to 94. Parents and families of the affected children, who were also present during the hearing, expressed serious grievances regarding the alleged lack of cooperation by the hospital administration. They also raised complaints about the non-availability of medicines and delays in the payment of outstanding treatment-related expenses. In their response, officials extended their assurances to look into the 16 new cases and address grievances of affected families. The ombudsman expressed his disappointment over the performance of the hospital staff and directed the hospital administration to ensure the timely availability of medicines, dietary supplements and other essential supplies for the affected children. He asked the administration to set up a help desk near the main entrance of the hospital to facilitate affected families and address their complaints and concerns. To address the shortage of senior professionals at Valika Hospital, the ombudsman observed that trained staff and professionals from the public health sector could be engaged to improve healthcare services. He directed officials in attendance to acquire the services of doctors from the Sindh Infectious Diseases Hospital for a period of six-month deputation to Valika Hospital. According to a statement released from his office, “The ombudsman observed that the apparent financial and administrative issues within the hospital may have contributed to the spread of HIV/AIDS among children. “He directed the authorities concerned to identify a reputable audit firm within two weeks to conduct a comprehensive audit of the hospital’s affairs, ” it added. He also directed officials concerned to take necessary measures to help worker parents who had lost their jobs due to extensive medical treatment of their affected children get reinstated on their positions. He further directed that compensation be provided to the families of children who had passed away and that comprehensive rehabilitation measures be ensured for children living with HIV/AIDS. The ombudsman also ordered the appointment of qualified psychologists to provide psychological support to the affected children and their families. The hearing was adjourned for two weeks. It may be noted that the Sindh ombudsman had taken up the matter following the emergence of 16 cases of HIV-infected children at Valika Hospital in November 2025. It was the ombudsman who ordered establishment of a dedicated isolation ward, a comprehensive inquiry, a third-party audit of hospital operations and provision of the best available treatment to all affected children at government expense. Tuesday’s hearing was attended by Labour Secretary Sajid Jamal Abro, SESSI Commissioner Hadi Bakhsh Kalhoro, Ombudsman Registrar Masood Ishrat, Regional Director-West, Ombudsman Sindh, Aftab Khatri. Published in Dawn, July 22nd, 2026

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