Another HIV-positive patient at Shaikh Zayed Medical College Hospital (SZMCH) underwent surgery without proper infection control protocols, raising serious concerns about hospital management.
Sources said Ghulam Murtaza of Khanpur was admitted on October 18 with abdominal obstruction. While his HIV test result was pending, a laparotomy was performed the same day in Operating Theatre II. Hospital records indicate the procedure ended at 12:10 AM on October 19. However, the next surgery began at 12:30 AM—only 20 minutes later—without adequate sterilization measures.
On October 23, Murtaza was again operated on in Theatre IV, reportedly without observing post-surgery protocols. He later required another surgery in SZMCH Phase I.
Doctors cautioned that performing surgeries on HIV-positive patients in multiple theatres without strict protocols could risk contamination. Hospital authorities allegedly tampered with records once the matter surfaced.
MS Dr. Rao denied negligence, asserting all sterilization protocols, including ultraviolet radiation, were followed. SZMC Principal Dr. Salim Laghari acknowledged social stigma delays HIV test disclosures but promised reforms to ensure clarity in reporting contagious diseases.
An earlier inquiry had already held senior staff accountable for mishandling HIV protocols at SZMCH.
Source: Dawn News