The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) Multan has called for a thorough and transparent probe into the HIV-positive cases reported at the dialysis unit of Nishtar Hospital, raising serious concerns over the recent joint inquiry report.
In an emergency meeting chaired by Prof. Dr. Masoodur Rauf Haraj, PMA Multan members criticized the inquiry for failing to answer key questions about how and why the HIV virus spread among dialysis patients. They accused the report of targeting Nishtar Medical University’s first female Vice Chancellor instead of identifying the true cause of the outbreak.
The association alleged that a senior administrative officer at NMU, reportedly eyeing the vice chancellor position, influenced the inquiry’s findings. This officer allegedly boasted about connections with the committee’s convener and predicted the report’s conclusions before its release.
PMA also highlighted the absence of a crucial genetic sequencing report needed to confirm whether HIV transmission occurred through dialysis procedures. They condemned the lack of accountability for unqualified medical practitioners working in South Punjab and the failure of Punjab AIDS Control Program and Punjab Blood Transfusion Authority officials to take action.
The association recalled a previous HIV outbreak involving over 100 children in Taunsa Sharif linked to similar administrative negligence. They stressed that recommendations from an earlier committee led by the NMU Vice Chancellor were ignored, leading to no significant improvements in HIV screening and treatment.
PMA warned that the current incident is being misused to target the Vice Chancellor and faculty members of South Punjab’s only medical university. They urged the Punjab government to prevent any retaliatory measures and ensure the university’s progress is not obstructed.