By A recent incident at Nishtar Hospital’s dialysis center in Multan has raised complex questions about the spread of HIV, highlighting multiple factors including inadequate infection control measures, substandard screening protocols, and potential external sources of infection.
Key findings from the Health Care Commission’s initial report include the absence of regular HIV and hepatitis screening, unsatisfactory disinfection practices for machines, and the lack of dedicated machines for infected and non-infected patients.
Moreover, external sources of infection, such as private centers or blood banks with weaker infection control enforcement, may have contributed to the outbreak.
This case underscores the need for improved infection control and patient screening systems within the healthcare system as a whole.
