HIV cases jump to 119 in Rato Dero

LARKANA: The number of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) affectees in Rato Dero has climbed to 119 on Friday, ARY News reported.

The new affectees include 21 children and one woman, said Medical Superintendent (MS)Rato Dero Hospital. Screening of 657 more people was carried out at two new places, he said. The MS has confirmed 22 new HIV positive cases.

ARY News correspondent Babu Iqbal said when condition of HIV affectee worsens it becomes AIDS.

Samples of the AIDS cases were sent to Jacobabad laboratory for testing.

The Sindh AIDS Control Programme has sent the report to the federal government.

A doctor, suspected of involvement in spreading the HIV AIDS in 59 people in Larkana and Rato Dero, was arrested on April 30.

Doctor Muzaffar Ghangro has been arrested on directive of the deputy commissioner on accusation of spreading the disease. Muzaffar Ghangro had rejected the allegation.

The report had said another local doctor Imran Ali Rabbani had reported the AIDS cases. It had said Imran had apprised the Sindh Health Department and head of AIDS centre about it. He had also told media about the spread of the disease.

According to the Deputy Commissioner Larkana, Noman Siddique, more than 45 people among them 25 children, were transmitted AIDS by doctor, Muzaffar, who injected the patients visiting him for treatment as an act of revenge.

“Dr Muzaffar is at last stage of AIDS and a case has been registered against him by the Sindh Health Care Commission”, the DC had continued.

The arrested doctor was said to be mentally ill and a medical board has been formed to examine him, the DC said.

The authorities had taken notice of the matter as the number of HIV-positive cases saw sharp rise in the area.

Mr Siddique had said the affected persons will be treated by the government and a new centre in this regard, will start its working from tomorrow in Ratodero.