Expired insulin at NICH exposes alarming hospital mismanagement

Expired insulin scandal at NICH Karachi highlights severe administrative failure

KARACHI: A deeply troubling incident of expired insulin at the National Institute of Child Health (NICH) has sparked outrage and concern over systemic administrative lapses in one of Karachi’s most critical healthcare institutions for children.

Sources confirm that dozens of insulin vials, valued at millions of rupees, were left unused and expired while in hospital storage—an act attributed to serious negligence by both hospital administration and ward-level management.

Critical medicine discarded, not delivered

Instead of reaching young diabetic patients in dire need, the expired insulin was discarded in hospital waste areas near patient wards. The failure to track, manage, and distribute these vital medical supplies reflects a major flaw in NICH’s inventory control systems.

According to insiders, accountability has been directed toward the ward in-charge professor and members of the hospital administration who reportedly failed to implement timely checks on expiring stock and patient requirements.

Lack of transparency in supplies and donations

Despite receiving annual budget allocations from the Sindh government and generous donations from civil society, the hospital lacks a transparent and verifiable record of medicines, including insulin, received and utilized. Stakeholders are now demanding a comprehensive audit of drug inventory, usage logs, and storage protocols.

Public health concerns rise over oversight

The incident raises critical questions about hospital governance, internal monitoring, and ethical responsibility in handling life-saving resources meant for vulnerable pediatric patients. Public health experts stress the importance of stringent checks, transparent inventory systems, and staff accountability to avoid further risk to child health.

Healthcare watchdogs and patient advocacy groups have called for immediate intervention by the Sindh Health Department, urging reforms in procurement processes, stock monitoring, and institutional leadership at NICH.

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