In a briefing to the Sindh Health Minister, it was revealed that there are over 600,000 quack doctors operating across Sindh, 40 percent of whom are based in Karachi.
According to the spokesperson of the Sindh Health Department, a meeting chaired by Health Minister Dr. Azra Pechuho was held to discuss the increasing number of HIV cases and prevention measures. Deputy Commissioners and SSPs from across the province attended the meeting online.
During the briefing, the minister was informed about the growing HIV cases in the province. It was reported that Sindh has over 600,000 quack doctors, with 40 percent operating in Karachi.
The briefing also highlighted that 3,995 children are registered as HIV patients, including 1,144 in Larkana, 509 in Shikarpur, 256 in Shaheed Benazirabad, 228 in Mirpurkhas, and dozens of cases in other districts.
Officials stated that the major causes of HIV spread include quack doctors, illegal clinics, and unregistered blood banks. Additionally, the reuse of barbers’ blades, repackaging of used syringes, and sale of hospital waste were identified as key contributing factors.
Health Minister Dr. Azra Pechuho said that no one will be allowed to play with people’s lives. “There will be zero tolerance policy no recommendations will be accepted. The Sindh Healthcare Commission, police, and deputy commissioners must launch a crackdown against quack doctors,” she directed.
Dr. Pechuho further said that if any recommendation comes from an MNA or MPA, it should be reported directly to her. “I will personally deal with it,” she added. She ordered that anyone reopening clinics sealed by the Sindh Healthcare Commission should be arrested immediately, and unregistered blood banks should be shut down while providing a list of licensed centers.
The Health Minister emphasized that a joint strategy involving the police, administration, health departments, and community based organizations can help curb the outbreak. “The government will act as a wall against the spread of HIV we will not allow anyone to play with public health,” she concluded.
