The Sindh Healthcare Commission conducted a follow up inspection of Kulsum Bai Valika Hospital in Karachi. According to the commission’s spokesperson, it was revealed that most recommendations related to infection prevention and control had not been implemented.
According to the spokesperson, concern was expressed over the absence of used needles in designated sharps waste bins, and no satisfactory explanation was provided regarding the procedure for disposing of used needles.
The spokesperson said that the hospital staff were unable to provide a satisfactory response regarding needle disposal procedures, and that the staff had not received training on infection prevention.
According to the spokesperson, the hospital staff had also not been trained in medical waste disposal, and the hospital administration was unable to present a written policy on infection control.
According to the Sindh Healthcare Commission, the hospital administration was also unable to provide relevant guidelines. The spokesperson stated that the working condition of the autoclave machine could not be verified, while operation theatre and nursing staff were absent during the inspection.
According to the spokesperson, the staff of the private contractor responsible for medical waste collection and disposal had not received adequate training, and it was observed that infection control protocols were not being fully implemented in the operation theatre.
The spokesperson said that the hospital administration had made serious efforts to address the deficiencies, including the purchase of color coded waste bins and auto disable syringes.
According to the spokesperson, most recommendations have still not been fully implemented, and the hospital has once again been informed of all concerns. If the hospital fails to comply with the instructions, action will be taken, and various departments may be sealed as part of the enforcement measures.
