HIV cases in Landhi Hospital: SESSI forms probe body

KARACHI: The Sindh Employees’ Social Security Institution (SESSI) has constituted a five-member inquiry committee to investigate HIV cases reported in its Landhi Hospital. SESSI Commissioner Hadi Bakhsh Kalhoro announced the committee, in compliance with the directives of Sindh Labour and Social Security Minister Saeed Ghani. Headed by Chief Medical Officer Dr Naila Zaheer, the committee has been tasked with conducting a comprehensive investigation into the reported HIV cases and examining hospital practices to determine whether any negligence or institutional lapses contributed to the infections. Other members include Medical Officer Dr Ashraf, Dr Rashid Hassan Naqvi, Dr Tanveer Qadir Khanzada, and Deputy Director Audit Muhammad Tahir. Commissioner SESSI said the committee has been directed to submit a detailed report within seven days, along with findings and recommendations to improve the hospital’s overall functioning. The inquiry will examine confirmed HIV cases, laboratory and screening procedures, hospital staff, and the treatment records of insured workers registered with SESSI and their family members. The panel will also investigate possible epidemiological links between reported cases, identify potential sources of infection and determine whether any transmission may have occurred within the hospital setting. As part of its mandate, the committee will review injection practices, including compliance with the use of disposable syringes and needles, and assess the procurement, storage and availability of medicines and disposable medical supplies, he said. The investigation will further evaluate biomedical waste management, adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs), and implementation of Infection Prevention and Control protocols at Landhi Hospital. Kalhoro said the committee will also compile detailed data on HIV-affected children and their parents, where applicable, to support further medical management and welfare interventions. He said the inquiry would identify any individual or institutional responsibility if evidence of negligence or misconduct is established, adding that appropriate recommendations would be made to strengthen patient safety, infection control and healthcare standards across SESSI hospitals. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

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