Sindh Health Minister Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho announced a series of healthcare reforms aimed at improving the province’s healthcare system. These initiatives include addressing staff absenteeism, implementing biometric attendance systems in hospitals, and resolving the shortage of anesthesiologists.
During a press briefing, Dr. Azra detailed plans to upgrade healthcare services and tackle ongoing issues such as the fake domicile scandal at Lyari’s Male College of Nursing and concerns regarding the Human Milk Bank initiative.
To curb chronic absenteeism, biometric systems will be installed in all hospitals across Sindh. Additionally, simulation labs will be set up in teaching hospitals to enhance medical training. Dr. Azra mentioned that the Sindh Public Service Commission had started recruiting doctors, with paramedics and other staff to be hired once court orders are resolved. She also noted that funds for medications at Jinnah Hospital would be released shortly, with steps being taken to prevent future shortages.
On the fake domicile scandal at Lyari’s Male College of Nursing, Dr. Azra confirmed an ongoing inquiry, with students using fake domiciles expelled and officials involved to face consequences. Regarding maternal and infant health, she stressed the importance of the Human Milk Bank, despite opposition concerning the Islamic concept of milk kinship. The health department is collaborating with NADRA and the Council of Islamic Ideology to resolve these issues, including potential amendments to the family tree system to reflect milk kinship. She also warned of the health risks of formula milk, emphasizing that it should only be used under medical supervision and that breastfeeding is vital for newborns.
In discussing vector-borne diseases, Dr. Azra noted that 140 PCR-confirmed chikungunya cases were reported this year, though malaria cases had significantly declined. She advocated for larvicide campaigns to prevent mosquito breeding, highlighting that fumigation alone is insufficient.
To address the shortage of anesthesiologists, which has caused ICU closures in some hospitals, Dr. Azra announced recruitment efforts and suggested a collaboration where anesthesiologists from private hospitals could assist public hospitals. Additionally, 17 new medico-legal officers, mostly women, were recruited in Karachi, and Civil Hospital, Karachi, would be upgraded with two new medical towers.
Lastly, Dr. Azra discussed the expansion of Sindh’s e-pharmacy initiative, which ensures the transparent distribution of medicines. Initially launched at Civil Hospital, it will soon extend to other hospitals across the province. She also confirmed that there have been no reported Mpox cases in Sindh but assured that the health department is prepared for any potential outbreak.
