Sindh hospitals to face penalty for discriminating against HIV patients

KARACHI: The Sindh Health Department had decided to punish healthcare facilities across the province for discriminating against or refusing treatment to HIV patients.

Mistreating HIV patients is a severe offence under the Prohibition of Discrimination Based on the HIV Status Act, and organisations found to be engaging in this activity would face a penalty of Rs2 million.  

Dr Ershad Kazmi, Additional Director, Sindh Communication Disease Control, issued a letter to health officials stating, "It has been observed that the majority of HIV patients are being denied treatment and admission at healthcare facilities across the province,"

He claimed that it was the duty of healthcare managers, medical superintendents, directors, and DHOs to eradicate HIV stigma and prejudice.

Dr Kazmi emphasised that HIV patients ought to be handled with dignity, professionalism, and respect and fines for discrimination vary between Rs50,000 and Rs2 million.

As per the reports, HIV patients experience severe difficulties in public health facilities, where they are exposed to disparaging remarks.