KARACHI: Sindh Labour, Human Resources and Social Security Minister Saeed Ghani has pledged strict action against anyone found responsible for negligence linked to the spread of HIV, saying there will be no exemptions for doctors, paramedics or officials if evidence of misconduct is established.
Speaking during a meeting of the Sindh Employees’ Social Security Institution (SESSI) Governing Body, Ghani said the provincial government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy on HIV-related negligence and that both departmental and legal action would be taken where warranted.
Government orders comprehensive data collection
Ghani directed officials to prepare a comprehensive database of all children living with HIV, as well as records of children who have died due to the disease.
He also instructed authorities to compile detailed information on affected families to help improve welfare programmes and ensure targeted support.
Rs2 billion allocated for HIV support
The governing body unanimously approved SESSI’s surplus budget of more than Rs9.74 billion for the 2026–27 fiscal year.
According to the approved budget:
- Expected revenue: Rs18.569 billion
- Total available resources (including previous surplus): More than Rs42.3 billion
- Estimated expenditure: Rs18.509 billion
- Quarterly investment allocation: Rs12.02 billion
- HIV Endowment Fund for affected children: Rs2 billion
The dedicated endowment fund aims to provide financial assistance and long-term support for children affected by HIV.
Focus on healthcare and digital reforms
The meeting was attended by Labour Secretary Sajid Jamal Abro, SESSI Commissioner Hadi Bakhsh Kalhoro, members of the governing body and senior institutional officials.
Ghani directed SESSI to ensure registered workers receive comprehensive healthcare services at all hospitals operating under the institution.
He said the Sindh government is upgrading SESSI hospitals with modern medical facilities and is working to establish additional hospitals for workers in cities beyond Karachi.
The minister also announced that SESSI’s contribution collection system is being fully digitized to improve transparency and expand worker registration under the social security programme.
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