Crackdown ordered after HIV cases at SITE hospital

KARACHI:

The Sindh Healthcare Commission (SHCC) has taken immediate action following the emergence of HIV cases at Kulsoom Bai Valika Hospital in Karachi's Keamari district.

Director Anti-Quackery Dr Zubair Soomro, along with his team, met with Deputy Commissioner Keamari Tariq Chandio to discuss regulatory enforcement across the district, healthcare standards, and strengthening epidemic prevention measures.

Concerns were raised regarding the illegal de-sealing of quacks' establishments and the need to uphold government authority through coordinated enforcement. It was agreed that the SHCC, DC Office, SSP Keamari, and DHO would jointly inspect public and private hospitals. Furthermore, a district-wide crackdown will be launched against unqualified practitioners with the support of law enforcement agencies, and FIRs will be immediately filed against violators.

The deputy commissioner assured that the spread of HIV is a serious threat and pledged full administrative and police support to the SHCC from the Government of Sindh and the district administration, following the directives of the health minister. Assistant Commissioners will aid the anti-quackery teams during field actions.

Additionally, the SHCC inspection team visited Valika Hospital to review hygiene standards and assess compliance with infection prevention and control practices, patient safety protocols, waste management, and procedures for safe injection use and disposal.