A seven-day investigation has been ordered into a cluster of HIV infections linked to a state-run hospital in Karachi, where screening of 2,000 people has already identified 10 positive cases. The inquiry targets a facility operated by the Sindh Employees’ Social Security Institution (SESSI) in the Landhi area. Main Developments Authorities formed a five-member committee on Monday to investigate the outbreak, led by Dr Naila Zaheer. The panel includes Dr Rizwana Ashraf, Dr Rashid Hassan Alvi, Dr Tanveer Kadir Khanzada, and Muhammad Tahir. The committee’s terms of reference require it to verify all laboratory reports and examine epidemiological links among the reported cases. Investigators will also probe possible sources of infection, including injection practices and the use of disposable syringes and needles. Read also: Why a Woman Leading Peshawar's Oldest Hospital Matters Beyond the Landhi cluster, a larger outbreak has emerged at the SESSI-run Valika hospital, where 120 children and adults have tested positive out of 10,000 people screened. The Valika cases were disclosed by SESSI Commissioner Hadi Bakhsh Kalhoro. Background The investigation follows reports of a dozen HIV cases at the Landhi hospital, including at least seven children. One case involves an 80-year-old female heart patient who tested positive during screening; sources said she had undergone a dental procedure at a local clinic months earlier. Screening at all SESSI hospitals has been intensified, with a focus on outpatients, admitted patients, and children. The Landhi hospital is the second SESSI facility in Karachi to report a significant HIV cluster this year. The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) has called for a province-wide health emergency, accusing the Sindh government of healthcare mismanagement. PTI-Sindh President Haleem Adil Sheikh cited unsafe injection practices, weak infection control, and inadequate regulatory oversight as contributing factors. Why It Matters The outbreaks at two SESSI hospitals raise serious questions about infection prevention protocols in public healthcare facilities. Children appear disproportionately affected, heightening public alarm and eroding trust in state-run medical services. Unsafe injection practices and poor biomedical waste management—both within the committee’s scope of inquiry—can amplify disease transmission in hospital settings. The findings could prompt systemic reforms across Sindh’s public health infrastructure. What's Next The committee must submit a detailed report with findings, recommendations, and accountability assignments within seven days. PTI has demanded transparent action against those found responsible and an immediate province-wide screening program for children. Authorities face pressure to implement safe injection practices, strengthen infection-control measures, and tighten monitoring of all public and private hospitals, clinics, and laboratories. The Sindh government has not yet declared a public health emergency as requested.