Sindh Govt Announces Action Illegal Blood Banks

KARACHI: The Sindh government has decided to take strict action against quack doctors across the province. This move comes after a high-level meeting on HIV prevention, chaired by Sindh Health Minister Dr. Azra Pechuho.

During the meeting, officials briefed the health minister about the alarming rise in HIV cases. They revealed that over 600,000 fake doctors are operating in Sindh. Shockingly, 40% of these quacks are based in Karachi. The province has registered 3,995 HIV-positive children. Larkana alone has 1,144 cases, Shikarpur has 509, and Benazirabad has 256 children affected by HIV.

Officials identified several causes behind the spread of HIV. These include fake doctors, illegal clinics, and contaminated injections. Unregistered blood banks also play a major role. The reuse of blades and syringes, along with improper disposal of medical waste, further increases the risk.

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In response, the Sindh Health Care Commission, police, and deputy commissioners have received orders to act against quack doctors. The government has also ordered the immediate closure of all unregistered blood banks across Sindh.

Dr. Azra Pechuho directed health officials to provide a list of all licensed blood banks. She also stressed the need for mandatory screening of pregnant women for HIV. Furthermore, she warned that anyone reopening sealed health centers will face arrest.