Sindh High Court Orders Two-Week Report on Alleged HIV Outbreak at Karachi SESSI Hospital

Overview

• The Sindh High Court heard a petition on Thursday and directed the provincial government to submit a detailed inquiry report within two weeks, then adjourned the matter until July 20.
• The petition, filed by Advocate Tariq Mansoor, alleges that reuse of disposable syringes and gross medical negligence at Kulsum Bai Valika (KBV) SESSI Hospital infected dozens to more than 200 children and that nine children have died.
• Court papers name the Sindh chief secretary, health and labour secretaries, the SESSI chairperson and the KBV medical superintendent among the respondents required to reply to the petition.
• Families say authorities have not released any independent findings, have not registered criminal cases, and have failed to provide comprehensive screening and treatment for affected children, which prompted protests outside the High Court.
• SESSI runs KBV Hospital for insured industrial workers and their families, a large population that public health experts and UNICEF have warned could face lasting harm from infections, stigma and gaps in care.