Healthcare workers suspended due to HIV spread

– MULTAN:

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif suspended many senior officials of Nishtar Hospital following the incident of HIV transmission among dialysis patients.

During the hospital visit, the chief minister ordered the immediate suspension of Medical Superintendent Dr Muhammad Kazim, Head of Nephrology Department Dr Ghulam Abbas, Associate Professor Dr Poonam Khalid, Senior Registrar Dr Muhammad Qadeer and Dr Maliha Johar. Health Officer Dr. Muhammad Alamgir and Head Nurse Naheed Parveen were also removed from their posts.

Prime Minister Maryam Nawaz investigated the matter and met with the vice-chancellor of Nishtar Medical University, principal, heads of departments and other staff concerned.

He examined the reports and listened to their accounts, revealing the violation of standard operating procedures (SOPs).

During the investigation, it was revealed that HIV and hepatitis screenings, which are mandatory for dialysis patients every 3 months, were not performed.

Disposable dialysis kits and dialyzers were reused for multiple patients, exposing these patients to life-threatening infections.

It was also revealed that hospital staff sent samples to private laboratories in violation of official protocols.

It was emphasized that even after HIV was detected in the patients, the incident was hidden and patient safety was ignored.

The Prime Minister expressed anger that senior doctors did not adequately supervise the ward and some did not visit for weeks.

He urged the health minister to initiate strict disciplinary action under the Punjab Employees Efficiency, Discipline and Accountability (PEEDA) Act.

Prime Minister Maryam Nawaz said, “We have devoted huge resources to healthcare, but such negligence is unacceptable. Patients come for treatment, not to leave with incurable diseases.”

He emphasized the need for accountability and urgent reforms to prevent such incidents in the future.

The Prime Minister ordered the installation of a PET scanning machine in Multan to strengthen diagnostic facilities.

He also inspected the cardiology and other wards and ordered the immediate transfer of critically ill patients to intensive care units if necessary.

Expressing his dissatisfaction with the hygiene and cleanliness of the hospital, he instructed the staff to resolve the issues immediately.

During his visit, a cleaner complained about unpaid wages, prompting the prime minister to ensure that these wages were paid on time.

He emphasized that the government will not tolerate any negligence in health services.

Senator Pervez Rasheed, Information Minister Uzma Zahid Bukhari, Special Assistant Sania Ashiq, chief secretary, divisional commissioner and district police officer were also present.

Meanwhile, senior doctors of Nishtar Hospital Multan, including MS, appeared before SSP (Operations) Kamran Amir Khan for an inquiry into the case in which some patients contracted HIV during dialysis.

The notices of suspension of the seven officials were issued by the specialist secretary of health and medical education in light of the ministry’s investigation.

Police officials said Prime Minister Maryam Nawaz directed the Multan CPO to conduct an investigation and around 10 officials from Nishtar Hospital and Medical University were summoned on Saturday.

These include MS Dr Kazim, Head of Nephrology Dr Ghulam Abbas, Dr Maliha, Dr Poonam, Dr Alamgir, Dr Qadeer, Head Nurse Naheed, Professor of Medicine Dr Abrar Ahmed, Purchase AMS Dr Jawad Ahmed Khan and Ward No. There were 7 Dialysis Unit Assistant Professors. Doctor Abdul Khaliq. Police sources said the investigation was at a preliminary stage.

Prime Minister Maryam Nawaz, who chaired a meeting on law and order, public and administrative affairs in Multan division, directed the officials concerned to take measures to protect children from dog bites.

He was briefed about the progress of the Clean Punjab campaign.

Officials said that outsourcing of cleaning services has been completed in 14 tehsils of the department, while the process is ongoing in six tehsils.

The chief minister instructed deputy commissioners and other officials to visit villages to check sanitation arrangements and prevent dog bite incidents.

He also ordered effective measures to suppress criminal elements and protect people.

The CM was informed that there was a decrease in dengue cases in Multan.

During the smog-fighting campaign in Multan, a fine of Rs 4.4 million was imposed for violations and 229 brick kilns were demolished due to non-compliance with SOPs.