Rising in HIV infections alarm health minister

HYDERABAD:

In a tacit acknowledgment of poor official performance on initiatives to curb rising cases of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and malaria, Sindh Health Minister Dr Azra Pechuho expressed dismay on the officials at a meeting on Friday in Shaheed Benazirabad.

Chairing the meeting in the Darbar Hall, she also conveyed her anger and disappointment over a lack of action on hospitals, medical centers, labs and blood banks which have been operating unlawfully in the district.

Pechuho directed the officers of the Sindh Health Department and Sindh Healthcare Commission to take prompt action against such health facilities which neither comply with the government's standards nor have they obtained necessary approvals. The figures of such health businesses operating in the districts were, however, not shared with the media. Pechuho emphasized that keeping in view the increasing cases of HIV Aids, action against the health establishment especially laboratories ought to be taken promptly. She also directed the district administration to extend its cooperation with the local health authorities.

"Quacks, illegal health centers, labs and blood banks won't be allowed to play with the lives of humans," she emphasized. She strictly directed the health officials to control the cases of HIV and malaria, as the latter vector borne virus is also affecting a large number of people. The minister warned the officials that their poor performance will entail disciplinary action. The district health officer Dr Mudassar Hussain and the officials of HIV Aids program briefed the minister about the cases and their strategies.