The increasing cases of HIV in Sindh have become a major challenge for the provincial health department. Sindh Health Minister Dr. Azra Pechuho has identified homosexuality, unqualified (quack) doctors, and illegal medical centers as the key reasons behind the spread of the virus.
According to details, Dr. Azra Pechuho has directed the Sindh Healthcare Commission to launch an indiscriminate crackdown across the province. She also warned that if any influential person attempts to intervene or recommend protection for an illegal medical center, the matter should be brought directly to her, and she will deal with it personally.
A high-level meeting, chaired by the Minister for Health and Population Welfare Sindh, was held to review the rising number of HIV cases and strategies to prevent its spread. All deputy commissioners and SSPs from across Sindh attended online, while Sindh Healthcare Commission CEO Dr. Ahsan Qavi, Secretary Sindh Blood Transfusion Authority Dr. Durr-e-Naz, and Additional Director CDC participated in person.
During the briefing, it was revealed that over 600,000 unqualified doctors (quacks) are operating across the province — with 40% of them based in Karachi. The minister was informed that there are 3,995 registered HIV-positive children, including 1,144 in Larkana, 509 in Shikarpur, 256 in Shaheed Benazirabad, and 228 in Mirpurkhas, while dozens of cases are being reported in every district.
Officials briefed that the rapid spread of HIV in Sindh has become an alarming situation. The main causes include homosexuality, unqualified doctors, illegal clinics, unregistered blood banks, contaminated injections, canula centers, reuse of razors by barbers, replication of used syringes, sale of hospital waste, and irresponsible medical practices.
Minister Dr. Azra Pechuho issued strict instructions to all SSPs and deputy commissioners to stop all illegal and unethical practices, emphasizing that no one will be allowed to endanger public lives. She announced a zero-tolerance policy with no room for political recommendations.
She ordered the Sindh Healthcare Commission, police, and deputy commissioners to immediately launch a crackdown against unqualified doctors. If any MNA or MPA tries to intervene, she should be informed directly.
The health minister also directed that mandatory screening for pregnant women be enforced to prevent mother-to-child transmission of the virus. She ordered that any centers sealed by the Healthcare Commission must remain closed, and violators should be arrested. The sale of hospital waste must be stopped immediately, and all unregistered blood banks should be shut down while providing a verified list of licensed facilities.
Dr. Azra Pechuho concluded by stating that the Sindh government stands as a barrier against the spread of HIV and will not allow anyone to compromise the health and safety of the public.
