Key Takeaways
- Sindh Ombudsman informed of additional 16 HIV-infected children at Valika Hospital.
- Total number of infected children now stands at 94.
- Ombudsman directs hospital to address grievances and ensure timely medical supplies.
The Sindh Ombudsman has been informed that an additional 16 children have tested positive for HIV/AIDS at the Valika Hospital in Karachi, bringing the total number of infected children to 94. The provincial government had previously confirmed 78 cases.
During a hearing on Tuesday, Adviser to Ombudsman Haani Jamal Khan presented a report indicating that concerns remain regarding potential further infections among the children.
Parents and families of the affected children expressed serious grievances during the hearing, citing alleged lack of cooperation by hospital administration and non-availability of medicines. They also complained about delays in payment for treatment-related expenses.
In response to these complaints, officials assured they would look into the 16 new cases and address the concerns raised by the families. The ombudsman expressed disappointment over the performance of the hospital staff and directed them to ensure timely availability of medicines, dietary supplements, and other essential supplies for the affected children.
To improve healthcare services at Valika Hospital, the ombudsman observed that trained staff and professionals from the public health sector could be engaged. He also ordered a six-month deputation of doctors from the Sindh Infectious Diseases Hospital to provide additional support.
The ombudsman directed officials to identify a reputable audit firm within two weeks to conduct a comprehensive audit of the hospital’s affairs, suspecting that financial and administrative issues may have contributed to the spread of HIV/AIDS among children. He also ordered the establishment of a help desk near the main entrance of the hospital to facilitate affected families.
Concerns were raised about worker parents who had lost their jobs due to extensive medical treatment for their affected children. The ombudsman directed necessary measures to help these workers get reinstated on their positions and provided compensation to families whose children had passed away.
To support the psychological well-being of the affected children and their families, the ombudsman ordered the appointment of qualified psychologists to provide psychological support.
