The Sindh Employees’ Social Security Institution (SESSI) has allocated Rs2 billion to establish an endowment fund for the long-term medical treatment and welfare of 78 children infected with HIV at the Kulsoom Bai Valika Hospital.
The decision was finalized during a SESSI Governing Body meeting chaired by Sindh Labour Minister Saeed Ghani.
According to an official statement, the fund will finance medical care and welfare initiatives for the affected children and their families.
The move follows a confirmed HIV outbreak at the SESSI-run facility. While a petitioner before the Sindh High Court claimed that 200 children were affected, Ghani clarified over the weekend that official data confirms 78 cases.
During the meeting, the board also reviewed an inquiry committee report formed under the directives of the Provincial Ombudsman. The members endorsed disciplinary action against 37 doctors and paramedical staff, ratifying suspensions and approving the issuance of show-cause notices.
Ghani stated that the government is conducting a transparent investigation, adding that “no individual found responsible would be granted any concession, irrespective of their rank or position.”
According to the minister, an inquiry committee was initially formed in October 2025 when a limited number of cases were first reported.
The government subsequently ordered screening for all children, which brought the total number of confirmed infections to 78. Investigators are now working to determine the exact timeline of the infections. Inquiries are active against all medical staff and officials who were on duty during the period the transmissions occurred.
Ghani called the incident a major tragedy, stating that the Sindh government will “continue to stand by the affected children and their families, ensuring that they received both justice and every possible medical and welfare support.”
The administrative action comes after a Sindh High Court division bench gave the provincial government a two-week deadline on July 2 to explain the outbreak.
The court order followed a petition filed by Advocate Tariq Mansoor, who submitted a preliminary list of infected children. The petition alleges the outbreak was caused by the reuse of contaminated syringes and seeks an independent inquiry, criminal registration, lifelong medical care, and financial compensation for the families.
