Fact-finding body links negligence at Nishtar Hospital dialysis ward to HIV cases Health Commission report highlights hospital’s failure to follow SOPs MULTAN: An investigation into Multan's Nishtar Hospital's dialysis centre has uncovered severe breaches in screening and sterilisation protocols, exposing numbers of already seriously ill patients to diseases such as hepatitis and HIV. A report by an investigation panel has accused the hospital authorities' scandalous negligence to enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs), including regular HIV and hepatitis screening and the use of sterilised equipment for each patient. The fact-finding committee was formed on the directions of provincial Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique and Secretary Health Punjab to dig into the HIV outbreak — blamed on the staff in the dialysis unit at Nishtar Hospital Multan.
According to the body's findings, medical officials at the dialysis ward had not conducted mandatory HIV tests for over a year, violating healthcare guidelines that require such screenings every six months. Similarly, hepatitis tests, mandated every three months, were also neglected. The first HIV case at the dialysis unit was reported on October 11, but the administration allegedly attempted to cover up the incident, fearing backlash from patients, families, and the media.
Even a month later, the families of 25 affected patients remain untested, raising concerns about further transmission. The committee has held senior.
