PMA, senior doctors reject HIV/AIDS probe report

LAHORE:The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) Punjab and senior doctors have categorically rejected the inquiry report regarding the alleged spread of HIV/AIDS among dialysis patients at Nishtar Medical University, calling it illegal, unconstitutional, and one-sided.

They declared it a retaliatory move based on pre-determined conclusions rather than verified facts. Addressing a press conference at Lahore, the PMA leaders said the inquiry ignored scientific evidence and due legal process. They emphasised that the dialysis machines in use, especially in Multan, are equipped with advanced auto-disinfectant features that eliminate viruses including HIV.

According to the Pakistan Nephrologist , Urologist and Doctors Association of America , the risk of HIV transmission through these machines is virtually non-existent. They further criticised the composition of the inquiry committee , as under the Punjab Healthcare Commission Act, only the Commission has the legal authority to investigate patient care issues. Bypassing this framework renders the inquiry unlawful. They also expressed concern that key officials, such as the Principal of Nishtar Medical College and the Medical Superintendent — both of whom are directly involved in hospital administration — were not included in the investigation process. Instead, the Vice Chancellor, who deals primarily with academic and research matters as per university act, was targeted and made central to the probe. The PMA raised several questions about the report’s credibility, that the institutions like the HIV/AIDS Control Programme, Blood Transfusion Authority, and the Punjab Healthcare Commission are primarily responsible for controlling the spread of the disease but they were not even inquired. They argued that the government opted for a blame game on the VC and faculty members rather than a scientific, transparent process.

As per NMU act 2017 Chancellor ,Governor Punjab, is the appointing and reporting authority of the Vice Chancellor and already Governor Punjab held a personal hearing of VC in this case and closed the case. They pointed out that despite thousands of patients being registered with the HIV/AIDS programme, the actual number of infected individuals is likely much higher.

Major causes of HIV spread in Pakistan - such as unsafe blood transfusions, reuse of contaminated syringes/drips sets , unlicensed practitioners/quacks and unsafe sexual behavior - are being ignored in this case.

The association demanded that if the government is serious about identifying the real cause, it should use genetic sequencing, a modern and reliable method to trace the exact source of transmission. They slammed authorities for failing to take this step, calling it a serious flaw that raises doubts about the intentions behind the inquiry. The PMA demanded of the immediate dissolution of non-technical joint inquiry committee formed to investigate the incident, a scientific probe using genetic sequencing to identify the actual source of HIV transmission, investigations into the role and negligence of responsible institutions, including the Blood Transfusion Authority, the HIV/AIDS Control Programme, and the Punjab Healthcare Commission, strict action to eliminate quackery across the province and expansion of dialysis facilities, diagnostic tests, and availability of medicines. The PMA also called for comprehensive family screening of all registered HIV/AIDS patients to control further spread in South Punjab.

On the occasion, Dr Kamran Saeed, President PMA Punjab; Dr Kamran Ahmed, Dr. Izhar Ahmed Ch, President-elect PMA Central; Dr Nader Khan, Dr Riaz Zulqarnain Aslam, Prof Dr Masood ur Rauf Haraj, President PMA Multan; Dr Zulqarnain Haider, Prof Dr Shahid Shoukat Malik, and Prof Dr Wajid Ali were also present on the occasion.