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Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has taken strict action in response to an HIV outbreak at Nishtar Hospital in Multan, suspending five senior doctors, including the Medical Superintendent (MS) of Nishtar Hospital and the Vice Chancellor of Nishtar Medical University. The outbreak, which affected 25 patients in the hospital’s dialysis unit, prompted the Chief Minister to intervene after visiting the facility.
In addition to the suspensions, Chief Minister Nawaz also canceled the licenses of the suspended doctors, effectively preventing them from engaging in private practice. The disciplinary actions followed a report from the investigation commission into the HIV transmission incident.
The doctors suspended include:
- Dr. Mehnaz Khakwani, Vice Chancellor of Nishtar Medical University
- Dr. Kazim Khan, Medical Superintendent of Nishtar Hospital
- Dr. Ghulam Abbas, Head of the Nephrology Ward
- Dr. Jahangir, Assistant Professor
- Dr. Poonam, Assistant Professor
- Dr. Alamgir, Senior Registrar
- Naheed, Head Nurse
The swift action by the Punjab Chief Minister underscores the gravity of the incident, as the HIV transmission at a hospital’s dialysis unit raises serious concerns about patient safety and hospital management. Authorities have pledged to continue the investigation and ensure accountability for the outbreak.
Earlier it was reported that an investigation team has alleged serious negligence by doctors and other staff of the Nishtar Hospital, where dozens of kidney patients have been infected with HIV/AIDS, according to officials.
The probe body was formed after reports that a patient suffering from kidney failure died while 30 others contracted Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) infections during dialysis treatment at the largest public sector hospital in south Punjab.
