An operation theatre at Nishtar Hospital has been sealed after a suspected HIV positive patient was reportedly operated on alongside other patients before test results were confirmed.
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According to hospital officials, the incident occurred in Multan, where a patient underwent surgery before the mandatory HIV screening report was received. The patient’s test result later returned positive, prompting immediate action from the hospital administration.
Medical Superintendent Dr Rao Amjad said the operation theatre was sealed a day after the surgery once the report confirmed the suspected HIV infection. He explained that under hospital regulations, HIV screening is compulsory before any surgical procedure, but in this case the operation was conducted before the test report became available.
Hospital authorities revealed that seven surgeries were carried out in the same operation theatre on Tuesday, raising concerns about possible exposure risks for staff and other patients.
Following the incident, HIV tests were conducted for more than 10 doctors and paramedical staff members who had worked in the theatre over the two-day period. Officials said the precautionary screening was part of standard safety procedures to assess any potential risk.
The hospital administration has also constituted an inquiry committee headed by Additional Medical Superintendent Dr Lubna to investigate how the surgery proceeded before the patient’s HIV status was confirmed.
The incident has sparked concern regarding adherence to medical protocols and infection control measures in public hospitals. Health experts stress that strict compliance with pre-surgical screening and sterilisation procedures is essential to prevent transmission risks in healthcare settings.
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Hospital officials said further action would be taken based on the findings of the inquiry committee, while the operation theatre will remain closed until all safety protocols are reviewed and completed.