Nishtar Hospital halts new dialysis treatments amid HIV outbreak investigation

MULTAN: The administration at Nishtar Hospital has temporarily halted the treatment of new patients in its dialysis unit following the alarming discovery of HIV/AIDS transmission among patients. This decisive measure comes after 25 cases of HIV were confirmed among individuals who had undergone dialysis at the facility.

Hospital authorities confirmed that while the unit’s services are currently restricted, the 240 patients already registered with the facility will continue receiving dialysis treatment. The administration emphasized that this temporary suspension is a necessary step to ensure comprehensive safety measures are put in place and prevent further transmission of the virus.

Background and previous developments:

The situation at Nishtar Hospital has been under scrutiny since reports surfaced of an HIV/AIDS patient receiving dialysis at the unit. It was subsequently discovered that the virus had spread to other patients due to insufficient sterilization protocols and the continued use of contaminated dialysis machines. This initial revelation, which found 30 patients HIV-positive and resulted in one death, was reported earlier this month.

A follow-up report confirmed 25 cases of HIV transmission linked to the dialysis procedures. The hospital faced significant public and professional criticism, prompting the formation of an inquiry commission to investigate lapses in protocol and procedural breaches within the unit.

Current measures and commission’s role:

The commission tasked with probing the outbreak has concluded its investigation and departed for Lahore to present its findings to the health secretary. According to the hospital administration, the commission’s report will be submitted today, outlining potential lapses in medical and safety protocols and identifying those accountable for this severe breach.

In response to the confirmed transmissions, the hospital has already shut down two dialysis machines believed to be responsible for the spread of the virus. Authorities stated that further action, guided by the commission’s report, will be taken to ensure the highest standards of safety and accountability.

Temporary suspension and future outlook:

The hospital administration assured that the suspension of new patient dialysis treatments is temporary and will be lifted as soon as enhanced safety measures are verified and implemented. The decision underscores the hospital’s commitment to preventing further risk and maintaining patient safety.

The alarming incident at Nishtar Hospital highlights the critical importance of strict adherence to infection control protocols in medical facilities. The healthcare community and the public await the commission’s findings and subsequent measures that will be taken to restore trust and safety in the hospital’s dialysis services.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of lapses in medical safety and infection control, reinforcing the need for stringent oversight and robust healthcare practices to prevent such occurrences in the future.