HIV crisis at Valika snowballs, toll hits 169

The HIV crisis at Valika Hospital is snowballing, with the number of affected children reaching 169 and nine deaths confirmed by hospital sources, while a stark discrepancy in the hospital's records shows only two fatalities. According to hospital sources, the latest figures show that 142 of the affected children have been registered with five medical boards constituted at the hospital to oversee their cases, financial assistance and other related matters. Of the affected families, 109 have so far had bank accounts opened to facilitate financial assistance, while 76 families have started receiving support through the hospital's endowment fund. These families have already received payments covering two months. However, 34 other affected families are still waiting for financial assistance. Hospital sources attributed the delay to incomplete documentation and problems involving Benazir Cards, which have hindered the transfer of funds. The number of affected children has steadily increased since the HIV issue first emerged at Valika Hospital several months ago. The government had initially reported 78 affected children, but subsequent screening and testing led to the identification of additional cases, taking the figure to 169. The discrepancy over deaths has emerged as another major concern. While nine deaths among HIV-affected children have been confirmed, the hospital's own records contain entries for only two deaths. The gap has left the exact toll a matter requiring reconciliation through a verified record. Families of the children who died have also not received financial assistance from the endowment fund so far. Sources said the issue is likely to be discussed at an upcoming meeting, where officials may decide the amount of assistance and the mechanism for its disbursement. Multiple inquiries have been initiated at different levels to investigate the HIV cases. The endowment fund was established to support affected children with treatment, medicines, diagnostic tests, education and other essential needs. Administrative action has also been taken, with show-cause notices issued to several employees and measures, including suspensions, taken against doctors, dispensers and nursing staff. Authorities have repeatedly maintained that affected children are being provided treatment, medicines and other facilities. However, the latest figures indicate that major issues surrounding case registration, financial assistance, death records and the rehabilitation of affected families remain unresolved. Experts have called for all affected children to be brought under a single, comprehensive registration system, discrepancies in death records to be reconciled, and financial assistance to be delivered without further delay to families entitled to support.