HIV screening to be made mandatory

Task force proposes testing, tighter regulations

ISLAMABAD:

In response to a rise in reported HIV cases, the government has decided to significantly strengthen screening and regulatory measures, including mandatory HIV testing before surgical procedures and enhanced screening of deported individuals at airports and entry points.

According to a spokesperson for the Ministry of National Health Services, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took notice of the situation and constituted a high-level task force to investigate the matter and propose corrective measures.

The task force's second meeting, established on the prime minister's directives, was held under the chairmanship of Minister of State for Health Dr Mukhtar Bharth. The meeting was attended by task force members and representatives of relevant institutions.

Dr Bharth stated that the task force's purpose was to investigate the causes behind the surge in cases, identify those responsible, and formulate recommendations to prevent such incidents in the future.

The task force was specifically directed to conduct a comprehensive investigation into incidents involving the reuse of contaminated syringes.

Members presented several proposals and recommendations during the meeting.

It was agreed that the National Institute of Health (NIH), through its CDC and the Common Management Unit, would activate a real-time data dashboard to ensure effective monitoring of HIV cases, trend analysis, and improved coordination among stakeholders.

It directed the Border Health Services to ensure screening of deported individuals at airports and entry points, as part of broader efforts to contain the spread of HIV and other blood-borne infections.

The meeting also reached consensus on preparing a National Public Health Law aimed at curbing the spread of HIV, particularly due to unsafe medical practices.

Participants emphasized the need for a comprehensive report containing actionable and practical recommendations to strengthen infectious disease control mechanisms.

The task force acknowledged progress in the use of auto-disable syringes but noted that multiple challenges still exist in ensuring safe medical practices.

It stressed the need to further strengthen infection prevention and control measures across the country.

Among key recommendations, the task force proposed making HIV testing mandatory as part of screening processes nationwide, including prior to surgical procedures in hospitals.

It also called for regular inspections of medical facilities and pharmacies, with strict penalties for violations. Strong action was recommended against the sale or mislabeling of reusable syringes.

The task force underscored the importance of enforcing patient safety protocols and ensuring that all healthcare commissions across the country effectively implement regulatory measures.

It also stressed the timely availability of essential medical supplies to prevent syringe reuse. To address the virus's spread, the task force recommended expanding access to testing, treatment, and preventive services in high-risk groups and affected areas. It further proposed including HIV in the list of notifiable diseases and launching a nationwide awareness campaign.

Authorities were directed to ensure strict prevention of syringe and IV set misuse and to adopt evidence-based strategies to curb the transmission of blood-borne diseases, including HIV.