HIV outbreak: Five senior doctors of Nishtar Hospital suspended

MULTAN: Chief Minister (CM) Punjab Maryam Nawaz taking strict action following reports of HIV (AIDS) outbreak during dialysis procedures at Nishtar Hospital, Multan has suspended five senior doctors including the Medical Superintendent (MS).

Taking notice of criminal negligence at Nishtar Hospital, CM Maryam suspended Medical Superintendent (MS) Dr. Muhammad Kazim, Head of Nephrology Dr. Ghulam Abbas, Associate Professor Dr. Ponam Khalid, Senior Registrar Dr. Muhammad Qadeer, Dr. Maliha Johar, Medical Officer Dr. Muhammad Alamgir, and Head Nurse Naheed Parveen.

She also directed the Health Secretary to report on the matter and ensure further investigation.

During her visit to the hospital, Maryam Nawaz personally reviewed the situation and met with the Vice-Chancellor, Principal, and other senior officials.

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The inquiry report revealed that mandatory SOPs regarding HIV and Hepatitis tests of patients’ after every three months were violated. Tests were conducted in private labs against protocol, and despite positive AIDS results, the staff attempted to cover up the incident. Disposable dialysis kits and machines were reused for multiple patients, and senior doctors failed to visit the ward for weeks.

CM Maryam directed the Secretary Health to initiate strict action under the PEEDA Act against those responsible. She also instructed the doctors to compensate patients affected by the negligence.

Addressing the incident, Maryam Nawaz said, “This is an unforgivable act of criminal negligence. Despite allocating maximum resources to health, the results remain unsatisfactory.” She highlighted that reused syringes are the primary cause of the spread of AIDS.

She further ordered the immediate resolution of salary issues raised by a sanitary worker.

Meanwhile, after the MS and five doctors were suspended protests were triggered at Nishtar Hospital by fellow staff members, who chanted slogans against the government and police.