The Sindh health department has informed the Sindh High Court that it has taken public health measures after an HIV outbreak among children at Valika Hospital. The hospital is operated by the Sindh Employees’ Social Security Institution (SESSI).
The department submitted its report before a two-member constitutional bench headed by Justice Adnan-ul-Karim Memon. It stated that a province-wide network of 44 antiretroviral therapy centres has been established.
These centres are working under the communicable disease control program. They aim to improve testing, treatment, and prevention efforts for HIV cases across Sindh.
The report was submitted after a petition was filed by Advocate Tariq Mansoor. The petition requested an independent inquiry into the outbreak. It also demanded legal action, lifelong treatment, and compensation for affected children.
The petition named several government officials and institutions as respondents. These included the chief secretary, health secretary, SESSI, hospital administration, DRAP, police authorities, and the Sindh Child Protection Authority.
The health department explained that Valika Hospital falls under SESSI. The hospital is managed by the labour and human resources department. Meanwhile, the health department oversees the communicable disease control program.
Officials said an antiretroviral therapy (ART) centre was established at Valika Hospital on October 27, 2025, after the outbreak was identified. Since then, authorities have screened 10,474 people.
The screening process detected 120 HIV cases. The department confirmed that all affected individuals were enrolled for free treatment, counselling, and regular follow-up services.
The Sindh Healthcare Commission inspected the hospital twice during its review. The inspections identified issues related to infection prevention, control procedures, and administrative management.
The commission recommended corrective measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The health department said it had carried out surveillance, screening, treatment, and technical support activities.
It also stated that SESSI and the labour department remain responsible for hospital administration. Departmental action is underway against officials found responsible for shortcomings.
The Sindh High Court accepted the report and directed the Inspector General of Police and other respondents to submit their comments by August 11.
In other news read more about Mass HIV Testing Planned in Karachi After Child HIV Cases Raise Concerns
The case highlights the need for stronger healthcare practices, improved infection control systems, and continued efforts to manage HIV prevention and treatment in Sindh.
