The Sindh Health Minister said that growing trends of homosexuality, quack doctors, and illegal medical centers are the primary causes of the growing AIDS epidemic in the province.
According to details, Sindh Health Minister Dr. Azra Pechuho has ordered the Health Care Commission to conduct a province-wide crackdown without discrimination.
She warned that if any influential person attempts to intervene on behalf of an illegal medical center, she must be informed personally, and she will deal with it herself.
An important meeting, chaired by Minister for Health and Population Welfare Dr. Azra Pechuho, was held to address the rising HIV cases and measures for their prevention across Sindh. All Deputy Commissioners and SSPs of the province participated online, while CEO Sindh Health Care Commission Dr. Ahsan Qavi, Secretary Sindh Blood Transfusion Authority Dr. Dar-e-Naz, and Additional Director CDC attended in person.
The Health Minister was briefed on the increasing HIV cases in the province, including a detailed analysis of the causes. Officials reported that over 600,000 quack doctors are active across Sindh, with 40% based in Karachi.
Currently, 3,995 children infected with HIV are registered, including 1,144 in Larkana, 509 in Shikarpur, 256 in Shaheed Benazirabad, and 228 in Mirpurkhas, with dozens of cases reported in other districts. The briefing highlighted that HIV spread in Sindh is reaching alarming levels, primarily due to homosexuality, quack doctors, illegal clinics, unregistered blood banks, contaminated injections, cannula centers, used blades by barbers, repacking of syringes, sale of hospital waste, and irresponsible medical practices, according to Express News.
Minister Dr. Azra Pechuho issued strict instructions to all SSPs and Deputy Commissioners to stop illegal and unethical practices. “We will not let anyone play with the lives of the public. A zero-tolerance policy will be enforced. No recommendations will be entertained,” she warned.
She instructed the Sindh Health Care Commission, police, and Deputy Commissioners to launch a strict crackdown against illegal quack doctors. “If any MNA or MPA tries to intervene, inform me—I will handle it myself,” she added.
The Health Minister also ordered mandatory screening for pregnant women to prevent mother-to-child transmission of the virus. Medical centers sealed by the Health Care Commission should face arrests if reopened. Sale of hospital waste must be stopped immediately, and all unregistered blood banks must be closed and a list of licensed centers provided.
