C.P News desk
KARACHI: 15 March
Labor rights activists have urged the Sindh government to ensure strict accountability of doctors of the Sindh Employees’ Social Security Institution (SESSI) following a historic judgment by the Sindh High Court regarding the HIV case reported at the social security–run Kalsoom Bai Waliqa Hospital in District West.
The Sindh High Court dismissed a constitutional petition filed by Dr Ghulam Mustafa Abro, who had challenged his transfer and the allegations linked to the HIV infections detected in eight children at the hospital.
In the petition, Dr Abro maintained that he had been directed to report to the head office while Dr Muhammad Ghyasuddin was appointed as Medical Superintendent in his place. His counsel argued that the transfer order was issued in bad faith after the HIV cases surfaced and that Dr Abro had been unfairly implicated in the matter.
However, the government’s counsel informed the court that Dr Abro, being a civil servant, was bound under service laws to serve wherever he is posted. Transfers and postings, the counsel said, are normal conditions of government service.
After hearing arguments from both sides and reviewing the available record, the court ruled that under the Sindh Civil Servants Act 1973, a government employee cannot challenge a transfer or posting through a constitutional petition. The court therefore declared the petition inadmissible and dismissed it.
Following the detection of HIV cases, Dr Abro and Dr Mumtaz Sheikh, along with other members of the hospital staff, were suspended and directed to report to the head office. Authorities have initiated a formal inquiry into the matter, which is being monitored by the provincial ombudsman and other relevant bodies.
Families of the affected children, hospital employees and labor representatives have demanded strict legal action against those found responsible for the alleged negligence that led to the infections.
Labor rights activists in Sindh have also called on the government to ensure transparency in the inquiry and take decisive action against any doctors or officials found guilty of negligence, stressing that justice must be delivered to the affected families.
