A tragic incident occurred at Nishtar Hospital in Multan, where a kidney failure patient passed away, and 30 others contracted HIV/AIDS during dialysis treatment. The patients were reportedly treated on dialysis machines designated for HIV-positive cases, highlighting gross negligence at the largest public hospital in South Punjab.
The deceased patient, identified as 40-year-old Shahnawaz, succumbed to HIV/AIDS complications after a dialysis session. Despite the doctors’ request to transfer him to an isolation ward after testing positive, the hospital administration denied it, citing the wards were reserved for other infectious diseases like dengue.
The virus, typically spread through infected bodily fluids, likely transferred to the patients due to the contaminated dialysis equipment. Shockingly, the infection spread to 30 other patients, making it the largest outbreak in a public sector hospital in recent history. The staff, including doctors and nurses, were also at risk due to their contact with the infected individuals.
The incident, which was first reported on October 26 but initially suppressed by hospital management, came to light after the death of the patient on Tuesday. This prompted an investigation into the matter. The case is being described as a severe violation of standard operating procedures (SOPs), which mandate screening for infectious diseases before dialysis.
The nephrology department, where the incident took place, was responsible for ensuring that the dialysis machines were safe for use. Following the outbreak, all staff in the department underwent screening tests. A committee led by the Vice Chancellor of Nishtar Medical University, Prof. Mehnaz Khakwani, has been formed to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.
