SUKKUR: Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Jr have visited the HIV ward at Gambat Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS) Hospital in Khairpur, where he met with patients, including child victims of HIV/ AIDS.
During his visit to the HIV/ AIDS ward, the politician-cum-human rights activist spoke with patients and their parents, and reviewed the medical facilities being provided to them.
He stated that his purpose in coming to GIMS Gambat was to meet children affected by HIV/ AIDS. “HIV-positive children need love, attention and encouragement,” he said. “Society should adopt an attitude of sympathy and cooperation toward them.”
He added that HIV is a dangerous disease, and creating public awareness about it is extremely important. “Preventive measures must be taken to stop the spread of the disease, along with ensuring timely diagnosis and treatment.”
Bhutto Jr noted that the country’s health system is facing multiple challenges, and a shortage of resources in the medical sector remains a major issue. “Health institutions should be provided with more facilities and resources so patients can receive better treatment,” he said.
Speaking about Karachi, he expressed sympathy for the Urdu-speaking community and called for serious attention to resolve their issues. “The Urdu-speaking population is not getting proper representation and guidance.” However, he opposed the division of Karachi, stating, “Karachi is the heart of Sindh.”
During the visit, hospital administration briefed Bhutto Jr on the medical facilities available in the HIV ward and the treatment being provided. He emphasised the need for further improvements in the health sector and for quality medical facilities for the public.
Earlier, Sukkur Division Commissioner Abid Saleem Qureshi and Khairpur Deputy Commissioner Altaf Ahmed Chachar visited GIMS Gambat to review healthcare services, ongoing development projects, and Infection Prevention & Control (IPC) measures at the institution.
GIMS Director Dr Raheem Bux Bhatti gave a comprehensive briefing on various hospital initiatives, with special focus on IPC protocols, hospital cleanliness, patient safety measures, biomedical waste management and the implementation of standard infection control practices across all departments. Dr Ghulam Ali, Deputy Director of CDC-1, was also present.
Recently two children and a transgender person have died, while five children have tested positive for HIV/ AIDS and are being treated at Gambat Hospital. In total, eight children admitted to the pediatric ward of Pir Abdul Qadir Shah Jillani Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (Gambat Hospital) have tested positive for HIV/ AIDS in the past 10 days, raising alarm over a possible outbreak in Khairpur district.
A three-year-old girl, Alisha, and another child, Hurrain Khohro, died during treatment, while six other children aged between five months and three years remain under medical care.
Following confirmation of the cases, hospital authorities declared an emergency in the pediatric and gynecology wards. As a precautionary measure, inexperienced doctors and staff have been barred from working in the children’s surgery, medical, and maternity wards.
Health officials have not yet determined the source of the infections. The district health officer is expected to investigate possible causes, including unsafe medical practices and screening lapses. The incident has prompted concern among local residents and renewed scrutiny of pediatric care standards and HIV screening protocols in public hospitals in rural Sindh.
Separately, an AIDS patient admitted to the ICU of Civil Hospital Khairpur passed away a few days ago. The deceased was identified as transgender Sabir Ali Siyal, who had been in critical condition in the intensive care unit for four days.
Sources say that HIV/ AIDS cases are rapidly increasing despite the launch of the National AIDS Control Programme, which has been devolved to all district health hospitals and provides free medicines.
A representative of the HIV/AIDS Control Programme in Khairpur said that people are reluctant to undergo HIV/ AIDS screening tests, and even after diagnosis, they do not cooperate with the team to receive regular medicines.
