KARACHI: The Sindh High Court conducted a hearing regarding the tragic transmission of HIV to children undergoing treatment at Valika Hospital. During the session, the petitioner’s counsel brought alarming facts to light, stating that 9 children have tragically lost their lives while the petition remained pending, and alleged that critical inquiry reports are being deliberately withheld from the court.
The court was informed that 1,200 children have been diagnosed with HIV across Sindh, with 12% of children in the province reportedly affected. Highlighting severe negligence, a grieving mother testified that four to five children shared a single hospital bed and that medical staff repeatedly used the same syringe across multiple patients. Affected parents shared heart-wrenching accounts, stating they were forced to take loans on interest and sell their household belongings just to afford treatment, having received no financial assistance from the government despite official claims. In response to the crisis, SESSI counsel Mohsin Shahwani stated that responsible officers—including Dr. Shazia Altaf—have been suspended and issued show-cause notices. Furthermore, an IG Sindh police report has been submitted, a PKR 2 billion budget has been allocated for victims, and a special pediatric ward has been established at Aga Khan Hospital.
