Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has responded decisively to an HIV outbreak among dialysis patients at Nishtar Hospital, Multan, by suspending the Medical Superintendent (MS) and several key medical staff for criminal negligence. An inquiry report attributed the outbreak to serious breaches in infection control protocols during dialysis treatments.
The suspended personnel include MS Dr. Muhammad Kazim, Dr. Ghulam Abbas (Head of Nephrology), Dr. Poonam Khalid (Associate Professor), Dr. Mohammad Qadeer (Senior Registrar), Dr. Maliah Johar, Dr. Mohammad Alamgir (Medical Officer in the Nephrology Ward), and Head Nurse Naheed Parveen.
The report also noted attempts by hospital staff to hide the HIV cases and the reuse of disposable dialysis kits and dialyzers on multiple patients. Additionally, senior doctors had not visited the ward for several weeks.
Read: HIV Outbreak at Nishtar Hospital: Inquiry Reveals Severe Negligence
During Maryam Nawaz’s visit, she highlighted the severe negligence that led to the spread of HIV, notably through the reuse of syringes. She directed the Secretary of Health to apply strict measures under the Peda Act against those accountable and mandated compensation for affected patients.
A committee established by the hospital to investigate HIV cases among dialysis patients has yet to conclude its report despite significant time passing. The MS had previously denied claims that up to 30 nephrology patients were infected with HIV. Following initial reports, the hospital administration formed this committee to verify the facts while the health department continued investigating the outbreak.
