A government hospital in Pakistan is spreading HIV through unsafe medical practices. BBC News conducted an undercover investigation that has raised serious concerns about the medical conditions in Pakistan, where unsafe medical practices may have led to the spread of HIV among children. The report focuses on THQ Hospital in Taunsa of the Punjab province, where staff were caught reusing syringes and ignoring basic hygiene rules.
A shocking undercover investigation has found that a government hospital in Pakistan, linked to a major HIV outbreak among children, continued unsafe medical practices months after authorities promised action.#Pakistan #HIVOutbreak https://t.co/YI89pxu1qh
— IndiaToday (@IndiaToday) April 15, 2026
At the centre of this disturbing situation is the story of eight-year-old Mohammed Amin, who died soon after being diagnosed with HIV. His mother shared how he suffered from high fever and intense pain in his final days. What made things worse for the family was that Amin’s sister, Asma, also tested positive for HIV shortly after.
The family believes that both children got infected during routine treatment at the hospital, where contaminated injections may have been used.
Dr Gul Qaisrani, a doctor at a local private clinic, was the first to spot the outbreak in late 2024 after noticing a rise in the number of children going through his clinic who tested positive for HIV. According to the investigation, at least 331 children tested positive for HIV in Taunsa between November 2024 and October 2025.
Experts believe that unsafe injection practices are a major reason behind this outbreak.
What the undercover footage revealed
The BBC team reportedly filmed inside the hospital for over 30 hours and found several serious violations. Staff were seen reusing syringes on medicine vials meant for multiple patients, which can easily spread infections. In some cases, the same medicine was given to different children after being contaminated.
Microbiologist Altaf Ahmed noted that using a new needle will not stop the infection, as the syringe could still have the virus.
In one shocking moment, a nurse was seen picking up a used syringe with leftover liquid and passing it on for reuse. There were also scenes showing poor cleanliness, with used needles lying around and medical waste not being handled properly.
Despite these serious allegations, hospital officials have denied any wrongdoing. Qasim Buzdar, the hospital’s medical superintendent, questioned the authenticity of the footage. He further said that it might have been staged or recorded before he took charge.
He also claimed that the hospital follows proper safety standards and that patient safety remains its top priority.
