A fresh wave of HIV infections among children at a government-run hospital in Karachi has pushed the total number of confirmed cases to 94, raising serious questions about institutional oversight and patient safety. The Sindh Ombudsman, Mohammad Sohail Rajput, was informed during a hearing on Tuesday that 16 additional children had contracted the virus at the Kulsoom Bai Valika Hospital, a facility operated by the Sindh Employees Social Security Institution (SESSI). Main Developments During the hearing, Adviser to the Ombudsman Haani Jamal Khan presented a report detailing the 16 new HIV/AIDS diagnoses, bringing the official tally from 78 to 94 infected children. The provincial government had previously confirmed 78 cases at Valika Hospital, but the latest figures indicate the outbreak is far from contained. Parents of the affected children voiced serious grievances, accusing the hospital administration of a lack of cooperation. They highlighted the non-availability of medicines and delays in reimbursing treatment-related expenses, adding to their distress. Read also: How a Fake Embassy Ring Duped Visa Seekers for Years In response, hospital officials assured the ombudsman they would investigate the 16 new cases and address the families' complaints. However, the ombudsman expressed disappointment with the hospital staff's performance and issued several directives to prevent further infections and improve care. Background The Sindh Ombudsman first took up the matter in November 2025, after 16 cases of HIV-infected children emerged at Valika Hospital. At that time, he ordered the establishment of a dedicated isolation ward, a comprehensive inquiry, a third-party audit of hospital operations, and provision of the best available treatment at government expense. Tuesday's hearing was attended by Labour Secretary Sajid Jamal Abro, SESSI Commissioner Hadi Bakhsh Kalhoro, Ombudsman Registrar Masood Ishrat, and Regional Director-West of the Ombudsman Sindh, Aftab Khatri. The ombudsman noted that apparent financial and administrative issues within the hospital may have contributed to the spread of HIV/AIDS among children. Why It Matters The outbreak at a state-run hospital exposes systemic failures in infection control and patient safety, particularly for vulnerable populations like children. The ombudsman's findings suggest that administrative negligence and financial mismanagement directly endangered young lives, undermining public trust in healthcare institutions. Beyond the immediate health crisis, the incident has economic and social repercussions. The ombudsman directed officials to help worker parents who lost their jobs due to their children's extensive medical treatment get reinstated, and to provide compensation to families of children who died from the infection. What's Next The ombudsman ordered a comprehensive audit of the hospital's affairs, instructing authorities to identify a reputable audit firm within two weeks. He also directed that qualified psychologists be appointed to provide psychological support to affected children and their families. To address the shortage of senior professionals at Valika Hospital, the ombudsman directed officials to acquire the services of doctors from the Sindh Infectious Diseases Hospital on a six-month deputation. The hearing was adjourned for two weeks, during which the hospital administration must set up a help desk near the main entrance to facilitate affected families.