Commissioner of the Sindh Employees Social Security Institution (SESSI), Hadi Bux Kalhoro, said today that HIV screening was being carried out in all hospitals operating under SESSI. The HIV screening is being conducted for outpatients (OPD) and admitted patients, particularly children.
He said that a four-month-old infant brought to Landhi Hospital tested HIV-positive during OPD screening. Subsequently, the child’s mother was also screened and tested positive for HIV. However, when hospital staff attempted to collect a blood sample from the child’s father for screening, he left the hospital without undergoing the test.
Kalhoro stated that the Sindh Health Department and Labour Department were currently conducting HIV screening not only in SESSI-managed hospitals but also in all government hospitals across the province.
He said that HIV screening of 2,000 individuals in and around Landhi Hospital had so far identified 10 HIV-positive cases. Similarly, at and around Valika Hospital, HIV screening of 10,000 individuals has confirmed HIV infection in 120 children and adults to date.
The SESSI Commissioner said that all hospitals and dispensaries under SESSI continue to provide comprehensive healthcare services to OPD and admitted patients. Data of all children diagnosed with HIV, along with information about their family members, is being collected to ensure that they receive complete medical treatment and welfare support, he added.
Kalhoro further said that data of all OPD and admitted patients treated at SESSI hospitals since January 2025 was also being compiled. If any patient treated during this period is found to be HIV-positive, an inquiry will be conducted to determine the causes and identify any responsible parties, says Mr Kalhoro.