Ombudsman orders audit of Valika Hospital: Sixteen more children diagnosed with HIV/AIDS
KARACHI: Sindh Provincial Ombudsman Mohammad Sohail Rajput has ordered an urgent investigation and a series of corrective measures after 16 more children were diagnosed with HIV/AIDS at the Kulsum Bai Valika Hospital.
The families complained about medicines, treatment costs and hospital administration during a hearing chaired by Rajput and attended by senior officials of the Sindh Employees’ Social Security Institution (SESSI), hospital administrators and parents of affected children.
Families alleged that essential medicines were not consistently available, hospital officials had failed to provide adequate cooperation and reimbursement of treatment-related expenses had been delayed.
Rajput criticised the hospital’s performance and called for immediate measures to strengthen medical and administrative services.
He directed the authorities to explore the deputation of doctors from Sindh Infectious Diseases Hospital for six months according to the hospital’s requirements.
He ordered the hospital administration to ensure uninterrupted supplies of medicines, nutritional supplements and other essential items required by affected children.
The Ombudsman also directed authorities to identify a reputable audit firm within two weeks to conduct a comprehensive audit of the hospital’s financial and administrative affairs.
He said qualified medical and administrative professionals should be brought in where necessary to improve the institution’s management and healthcare delivery.
Rajput directed the director-general of Labour to take steps for reinstatement of workers who had lost employment while caring for their affected children.
He ordered compensation for families who had lost children and called for comprehensive rehabilitation services for children living with HIV/AIDS.
The Ombudsman also directed the appointment of qualified psychologists to provide counselling and psychosocial support to affected children and their families.
Calling for greater public awareness, Rajput ordered authorities to launch campaigns through print, electronic and social media on HIV/AIDS diagnosis, treatment, prevention and the importance of timely medical care.
The hearing was adjourned for two weeks, with the authorities concerned directed to take immediate action on the issues raised and report progress.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026