Pakistan: Punjab CM suspends top hospital officials over HIV outbreak
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has suspended six senior officials at Nishtar Hospital Multan after an HIV outbreak among dialysis patients. The suspended officials include the Medical Superintendent and the Head of the Nephrology Department. An investigation found that this health crisis stemmed from severe negligence, including the reuse of disposable dialysis kits and dialyzers, and not conducting mandatory AIDS and hepatitis tests every three months.
'Criminal negligence': CM Nawaz on hospital's poor compliance
During her visit to the hospital, the Pakistan politician slammed its poor adherence to standard operating procedures. She termed the situation "criminal negligence" and was upset with how government resources for healthcare were being misused. "It is unacceptable that patients who come to government hospitals for treatment end up contracting AIDS instead," she said. The investigation also revealed attempts by hospital staff to cover up the outbreak, making matters worse.
CM Nawaz orders strict action, compensation for victims
In the wake of the crisis, CM Nawaz ordered strict action under the PEEDA Act (Punjab Employees Efficiency, Discipline and Accountability Act, 2006) against those responsible. She also directed that compensation be given to the affected patients. While hospital doctors and paramedics have protested the decision to suspend the medical staff, the CM stands steadfast in her stance, calling for improved implementation of healthcare regulations to protect patient safety.
