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’…
In Karachi, Sindh Provincial Ombudsman Mohammad Sohail Rajput ordered a thorough investigation and corrective actions following the diagnosis of 16 additional children with HIV/AIDS at Kulsum Bai Valika Hospital. Families attending the hearing, chaired by Rajput and featuring senior Sindh Employees’ Social Security Institution officials, hospital administrators, and affected parents, expressed grievances over inconsistent medicine availability, poor hospital cooperation, and delayed reimbursement for treatment costs.
Rajput criticized the hospital's performance, urging swift corrective measures to bolster medical and administrative services. He directed authorities to consider deploying doctors from Sindh Infectious Diseases Hospital for a six-month stint based on the hospital's needs. The hospital administration was ordered to guarantee continuous supplies of necessary medicines, nutritional supplements, and other essential items required by the affected children.
The ombudsman mandated the identification of a reputable audit firm within two weeks to scrutinize the hospital's financial and administrative affairs. He emphasized the deployment of qualified medical and administrative professionals where necessary to enhance the institution's management and healthcare delivery. Rajput directed the Labor Department's director-general to facilitate the reinstatement of workers who had lost jobs while caring for their children affected by HIV/AIDS.
Compensation for families who had lost children and comprehensive rehabilitation services for affected children were also directed by the ombudsman.
Moreover, Rajput called for extensive public awareness campaigns about HIV/AIDS diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and the significance of timely medical care through print, electronic, and social media. The hearing was adjourned for two weeks, with authorities instructed to take immediate action on the raised concerns and report progress.
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