Sindh faces acute shortage of neurosurgeons

Govt is planning to hire more to fill the gap, health minister tells PA

KARACHI:

Sindh Health Minister Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho on Monday placed the province's mounting shortage of neurosurgeons at the centre of a wide-ranging briefing to the Sindh Assembly, warning that the gap is straining public hospitals and leaving critical posts unfilled.

Responding to lawmakers' written and supplementary questions during the health department's question hour, she said that the government "simply does not have enough neurosurgeons" and that both public hospitals and teaching institutions were struggling to recruit specialists.

"There is a severe shortage of neurosurgeons in the market. Neurologists and neurosurgeons prefer private-sector jobs, which is why government vacancies remain unfilled," she told the House, adding that the shortfall would begin to ease once new recruitments are completed. The upcoming batch includes around 22 medical officers, as well as general surgeons and general physicians.

Dr Pechuho said the province's patient load - particularly at facilities such as Qatar Hospital - had increased sharply. "We have a very high patient turnover. We aim to improve emergency care and are working to separate the ICU from the emergency department at Qatar Hospital," she said.

Measles surge and

vaccination gaps

The minister also briefed the House on measles outbreaks, revealing that more than 700 cases were reported in 2024 and over 3,000 in 2025. Between 2018 and 2023, the disease caused 16 deaths in Sindh.

She said vaccination gaps were concentrated in Karachi's densely populated localities, where many parents do not bring their children for immunisation. The measles vaccine now costs Rs6,000-7,000 in the private market, she added.

The health department, she said, is developing a digital electronic system to maintain complete records of measles patients and vaccinated children. "We have administered 3.7 million doses to children under five, while one million children have received MR-2 vaccines," she noted.

Dr Pechuho said misinformation about vaccines continues to spread among low-income communities, complicating immunisation efforts. She also highlighted the significant role of Lady Health Workers, who provide maternity awareness, administer polio drops and conduct hygiene education - but acknowledged that overall staffing shortages persist. A new programme for community health workers is being designed to bridge service gaps.

Assembly takes up multiple notices

During the session, lawmakers raised several call-attention notices.

PPP MPA Nasir Ahmed highlighted the deteriorated state of Manghopir Road in PS-118, where frequent evening accidents are claiming lives. He urged the government to remove encroachments and halt illegal activities. Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Siraj Qasim Soomro said KMC teams would visit the area with the MPA to identify problem spots.

MQM-P legislator Kiran Masood said that although Sui Southern Gas Company work in North Nazimabad had been completed, the roads were left unrepaired, and debris had caused the death of a child. Soomro said around 20% of reconstruction work had been completed and assured that the remaining work would be finished before the next monsoon season.

The assembly also passed the Sindh Revenue Board (Amendment) Bill before adjourning the session until Tuesday noon.

Solidarity with Pakistan Army

The Sindh Assembly on Monday unanimously passed a resolution expressing solidarity with the Pakistan Army, praising its sacrifices, professionalism and role in defending the country amid regional security challenges. The resolution was moved by Provincial Minister for Interior, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Zia-ul-Hasan Lanjar.

The minister condemned what he described as irresponsible statements by the family members of a political leader on Indian television channels, calling the remarks "deeply shameful and hurtful".