Bill to strengthen medico-legal system

Immunisation and Epidemic Control Act 2023 also gets nod

KARACHI:

The Sindh cabinet on Saturday passed a bill aimed at fortifying the medico-legal system on modern scientific principles. Additionally, the cabinet gave its endorsement to the "Sindh Immunization and Epidemic Control Act 2023," a pivotal legislation designed to wage a formidable battle against epidemics through comprehensive immunisation and vaccination strategies in the province.

Chaired by Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, the cabinet meeting witnessed the participation of provincial ministers, advisers, special assistants, and government officials. Amidst the discussions on an array of around 40 agenda items, the cabinet also greenlit the renewal of the MoU with the Pakistan Peoples' Health Initiative (PPHI) to entrust the management of 1,380 basic health facilities to them.

Furthermore, a significant decision emerged during the meeting, wherein the Mehar Taluka Hospital is set to be handed over to the Gambat Institute of Medical Sciences for a five-year tenure, aimed at elevating the facility's standards and enhancing the quality of its services.

The cabinet also sanctioned the "Sindh Water Policy Framework". This comprehensive policy encompasses all water sources, including surface water, groundwater, and wastewater, and addresses all sectors of water use - domestic, agriculture, industry, commercial, and environmental - at the basin level, ultimately working towards the prosperity of the people of Sindh.

At the outset of the meeting, Health Department officials presented a detailed briefing on the Medico-legal Act, shedding light on the existing deficiencies and shortcomings in the medico-legal services in Sindh. The present lack of service structure, job descriptions, SOPs/guidelines, performance management framework, and key performance indicators is conspicuous, leading to challenges for the police and judiciary in prosecution and conviction.

Recognising the pressing need for substantial changes in the legal framework of medico-legal services, the Health Department has embarked on a mission to bolster the system based on modern scientific standards. The proposed bill seeks to regulate the medico-legal system, its administration, examinations, and postmortems conducted in various health facilities throughout the province through the establishment of the Sindh Medico-legal Directorate. The cabinet approved the act, paving the way for its consideration in the assembly.

On the front of epidemic control and prevention, the Sindh Immunisation Act endeavours to enforce a robust immunisation and vaccination strategy against epidemic diseases in the province. Under this act, parents or guardians of unprotected persons bear the responsibility of bringing them to designated vaccination centres in adherence to the provided schedule. Failure to comply may lead to punitive action as outlined in the Act.

During the cabinet meeting, an important MOU was discussed, signed between the Health Department and the University of Medical Science Zahedan from Iran. The MOU facilitates academic and cultural exchanges among students, faculty, and researchers. It also includes collaboration in the entomological surveillance of dengue fever vectors, training workshops on the diagnosis and treatment of dengue fever, and expert meetings on malaria elimination, tuberculosis, and vaccine-preventable disease control activities. Furthermore, it fosters the exchange of experiences and cooperation in controlling beta-thalassemia.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 23^rd, 2023.