Criminal negligence uncovered in HIV/AIDS outbreak linked to Nishtar Hospital dialysis unit

MULTAN: In a shocking development, Multan police have unearthed damning evidence of forged reports and deliberate tampering in the dialysis records of Nishtar Hospital’s dialysis unit, leading to the transmission of HIV/AIDS to multiple patients. According to the police investigation, at least 25 patients were confirmed to have contracted the virus through contaminated dialysate. The case, initially reported on October 11, has unveiled grave lapses, including the fabrication of lab reports and criminal negligence by senior doctors.
Police findings reveal that fake reports were deliberately inserted into the dialysis unit's official records, seemingly to cover up the incident. The probe also highlighted blatant procedural violations, as an HIV-positive patient underwent dialysis on a shared machine without adequate sterilization, causing the virus to spread to other patients.
Authorities have intensified their investigation, with a detailed police report set to be submitted to the Secretary of Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education today. The Punjab Health Care Commission (PHCC) is expected to recommend strict disciplinary action against the medical professionals involved in the scandal.
The crisis prompted a visit by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to Nishtar Hospital, where she expressed outrage over the incident. In an immediate response, five senior doctors, including Medical Superintendent Dr. Kazim and Vice Chancellor of Nishtar Medical University Dr. Mehnaz Khakwani, were suspended.
The HIV/AIDS outbreak has raised serious concerns about patient safety protocols and operational oversight in public healthcare institutions. Experts and healthcare authorities are calling for urgent reforms to prevent such incidents in the future, ensuring strict adherence to sterilization standards and accountability in handling infectious diseases.
As the investigation unfolds, affected families and advocacy groups are demanding transparency and justice, underscoring the devastating consequences of medical negligence.