By Our Correspondent

National News – A shocking investigation by BBC Eye has uncovered unsafe medical practices at a government hospital in Taunsa, where reused syringes are believed to have caused a major HIV outbreak among children.

The report reveals that at least 331 children tested positive for HIV between November 2024 and October 2025, raising serious concerns about healthcare safety standards in Pakistan.

The outbreak centres on THQ Taunsa Hospital, where undercover filming in late 2025 captured staff reusing syringes on medicine vials and administering injections without proper sterilisation.

Experts say such practices can easily transmit blood-borne infections like HIV, even when new needles are attached.

According to the investigation, the issue first came to light in late 2024 when local doctor Dr Gul Qaisrani noticed an unusual spike in HIV-positive children.

Most had previously received treatment at the hospital.

Data from regional health authorities showed that in more than half of the cases, contaminated needles were identified as the likely source of infection.

Despite a government crackdown in March 2025, including the suspension of a senior hospital official, unsafe practices reportedly continued months later.

Hospital management has denied the allegations, claiming the footage may be outdated or staged, even as medical experts insist the risks shown are real and dangerous.

The investigation also highlighted systemic issues driving the crisis, including over-reliance on injections, shortages of medical supplies, and poor infection control training among healthcare workers.

In many cases, patients were reportedly asked to bring their own medicines due to limited hospital resources.

Health authorities and global partners, including World Health Organization and UNICEF, have acknowledged broader challenges such as unregulated private clinics and unsafe blood transfusions contributing to the spread.

For affected families, the impact is devastating. Children like Asma now face lifelong treatment and social stigma, highlighting the urgent need for stricter medical oversight and safer healthcare practices.