Syringe reuse feared behind 300+ child HIV cases at Pakistan hospital; undercover probe exposes major lapses

A covert investigation has reportedly exposed serious lapses in medical safety at a government hospital in Pakistan, where unsafe injection practices may have led to HIV infections among children.

According to footage cited by the BBC, filmed over 32 hours inside THQ Hospital Taunsa, healthcare workers were seen repeatedly violating basic hygiene protocols. These included reusing syringes, sharing multi-dose vials between patients, and improper disposal of medical waste — practices that significantly increase the risk of infection.

The investigation, which drew on provincial screening data, private clinic records, and leaked police documents, identified at least 331 children in Taunsa who tested HIV-positive between November 2024 and October 2025. Analysis of 97 affected families found only four HIV-positive mothers, suggesting most cases were unlikely to have been transmitted from mother to child.

One of the victims highlighted in the report is eight-year-old Mohammed Amin, who died shortly after being diagnosed with HIV. His sister, Asma, also tested positive. Their family believes both children may have contracted the virus through contaminated injections during routine treatment at the hospital.

A local physician, Dr Gul Qaisrani, reportedly first raised concerns in late 2024 after noticing a surge in paediatric HIV cases. He said most affected children had previously been treated at THQ Hospital Taunsa, and in many cases, contaminated needles were suspected as the likely source.

The footage allegedly shows staff reusing syringes, drawing medication from shared vials, and administering injections without gloves. In some instances, used syringes were seen being handled and reused, while medical waste was left improperly discarded.

When confronted with the footage, the hospital’s medical superintendent, Dr Qasim Buzdar, reportedly questioned its authenticity, suggesting it may have been recorded before his tenure or could have been fabricated, while maintaining that the facility is safe.

Parents and investigators say the findings point to systemic failures in infection control and raise urgent concerns about unsafe medical practices contributing to a preventable outbreak.