In what can only be described as a tragic case of medical negligence, Nishtar Hospital in Multan has recently come under scrutiny following a severe breach in medical protocol. The largest public-sector hospital in southern Punjab, known for serving thousands of patients with limited resources, became the center of a distressing controversy as 30 patients contracted Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) during routine dialysis procedures. Among the affected, a 40-year-old patient named Shahnawaz lost his life due to complications arising from the virus.
The Incident
Reports reveal that the nephrology department at Nishtar Hospital was utilizing dialysis machines designated for HIV-positive patients for individuals not carrying the virus, leading to cross-contamination. This oversight resulted in multiple patients unknowingly contracting HIV, with the potential to affect their immune systems, causing lifelong health challenges.
Sources indicate that Shahnawaz, who was undergoing treatment for kidney failure, was not initially diagnosed with HIV. However, following a routine dialysis session, tests confirmed that he had contracted the virus. Doctors immediately referred Shahnawaz for isolation and specialized care, yet his condition deteriorated, leading to his passing. His tragic outcome became a catalyst for further scrutiny, revealing that 30 additional patients were likely infected through the same improperly managed dialysis equipment.
Breach of Medical Protocols
The negligence at Nishtar Hospital’s nephrology unit highlights glaring lapses in medical protocols. According to established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), all patients undergoing dialysis must be screened for infectious diseases before they are placed on dialysis machines, and equipment meant for HIV-positive cases should be used solely for such patients to avoid cross-contamination. Despite these guidelines, the department failed to adhere to them.
This lapse is particularly alarming as the hospital is well-equipped with three dedicated dialysis machines specifically for HIV/AIDS patients and one for Hepatitis B cases. The department’s failure to ensure the safety of these machines for non-infected individuals indicates a breakdown in the hospital’s internal control systems.
A Threat to Healthcare Workers
The negligence not only endangered patients but also put doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers at significant risk. Due to close contact with infected patients, many hospital staff members have now undergone screening tests themselves, fearing potential exposure to HIV.
Hospital Response and Investigations
Following the outbreak and subsequent fatality, Nishtar Medical University (NMU) Vice Chancellor, Prof. Mehnaz Khakwani, announced the formation of an investigative committee to thoroughly examine the incident. Led by senior medical teachers and administrative officers, this panel is expected to determine how the lapse occurred and why senior management did not respond to early warning signs. Furthermore, the nephrology department’s head has been called into question, as the initial report suggests that the issue was identified on October 26, yet no immediate corrective action was taken.
In response to the emerging crisis, two dialysis machines have been decommissioned, and strict orders for additional sanitization protocols have been issued. However, the administration has suggested that some infected patients may have contracted the virus from external blood transfusions before seeking treatment at Nishtar Hospital, indicating the possibility of pre-existing conditions that may have contributed to the outbreak.
A Call for Accountability and Change
The devastating incident at Nishtar Hospital serves as a stark reminder of the importance of rigorous adherence to medical safety protocols, especially in public healthcare institutions. The spread of HIV through dialysis equipment not only highlights lapses in infection control but also underscores the need for transparency, accountability, and systemic reforms in Pakistan’s healthcare system.
Moving forward, healthcare authorities and government bodies must address these issues promptly to rebuild public trust and prevent such tragedies from recurring. For the affected families and healthcare workers, justice and reform should be the primary outcomes of this investigation, ensuring that future patients at Nishtar Hospital and similar institutions receive safe, dependable medical care.
