Daily Times

Hospitals are meant to heal, not harm. People go to medics as they trust the ethics of the medical profession. Yet, the recent HIV transmission among dialysis patients at Nishtar Hospital, Multan, has shattered public trust. This shocking negligence reflects systemic flaws in healthcare management. Patients seeking life-saving treatments have instead been exposed to life-altering diseases.

The suspension of senior officials, including the medical superintendent and nephrology department heads, is a step in the right direction. However, accountability must not stop here. Reusing disposable kits and ignoring mandatory screenings show a blatant disregard for patient safety. Such violations are criminal, not just negligent.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz took action which highlights the gravity of this issue. She uncovered serious lapses, including unsupervised wards and concealed infections. These failures are inexcusable. Healthcare is a basic right. Yet, medics and the government deem it a privilege for the public. Patients rely on hospitals for care, not exposure to fatal diseases.

The government has invested heavily in healthcare. Yet, such incidents expose the gap between funding and implementation. Resources alone cannot cure a broken system. Strict adherence to protocols and oversight are essential. Those responsible for jeopardising patient lives must face severe consequences.

The chief minister’s directives for reforms, such as the installation of a PET scan machine and improved ICU facilities, are commendable. But these measures must be implemented. Cleanliness and hygiene, the foundation of patient safety, also need immediate attention. Hospitals must prioritise these basics over bureaucratic complacency. This incident demands accountability at every level. Routine inspections, proper training, and regular audits can prevent such tragedies. The health department must enforce compliance with protocols, leaving no room for error.

The incident also serves as a wake-up call for medical associations. They should toughen their protocols against the negligent doctors and should come up with strict rules. Patients come to hospitals seeking hope and healing. They should not leave with infections and despair. The government must ensure that healthcare institutions fulfil their core responsibility: saving lives. Anything less is a betrayal of public trust. *