only 170 officials
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Only 170 officials and rising HIV cases push Sindh…

ByJustpaste.in

Islamabad / Karachi: The Sindh Healthcare Commission came under intense scrutiny in the Senate after lawmakers questioned its ability to control illegal medical practices and respond effectively to the growing HIV situation in Sindh. Senators raised concerns over delayed action, staff shortages, and legal weaknesses that they said were limiting the Commission’s performance.

The issue was discussed during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination chaired by Senator Amir Waliuddin Chishti. The meeting was attended by Senator Syed Masroor Ahsan, Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri, Senator Nadeem Ahmed Bhutto, Senator Nasir Mehmood Butt, Senator Anusha Rehman Ahmad Khan through Zoom, Federal Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal and Sindh Labour Minister Saeed Ghani along with senior federal and provincial health officials.

Senator Nasir Mehmood Butt questioned why FIRs had still not been registered against those responsible in connection with the HIV situation, while Senator Syed Masroor Ahsan expressed dissatisfaction over delays in action and questioned the role of the Sindh Healthcare Commission in preventing the spread of the disease.

Responding to the Committee, the Chief Executive Officer of the Sindh Healthcare Commission said the Commission had already registered several FIRs against medical quacks. However, he stated that weaknesses in the existing legal framework allowed many accused to obtain bail shortly after arrest. He informed the Committee that amendments to the law were being prepared to strengthen action against quackery. The CEO also disclosed that the Commission has only around 170 officials serving across the entire province, highlighting a serious shortage of human resources.

Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri questioned why the Commission remained understaffed and asked whether the issue had been formally raised with the Sindh Government. Federal Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal requested the Committee Chairman to issue directions so the matter could move forward.

Senator Syed Masroor Ahsan stressed that the Government should acknowledge administrative shortcomings wherever they exist. He also asked how many times the Sindh Healthcare Commission had formally requested additional staff from the Provincial Government.

The discussion also focused on the governance structure of the Commission. Members were informed that after the 18th Constitutional Amendment, the Sindh Health Department no longer exercises administrative control over the Sindh Healthcare Commission. Federal Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal suggested that legislative measures should be considered to address governance-related issues affecting provincial institutions.

The Committee also examined the appointment process for members of the Sindh Healthcare Commission Board. The Secretary Health informed members that the Department did not have the authority to appoint or remove Board members. Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri observed that such limitations weaken accountability, while Senator Nasir Mehmood Butt expressed concern that the Chief Executive Officer of the Commission was not administratively answerable to the Secretary Health.

Earlier in the meeting, Sindh Labour Minister Saeed Ghani informed the Committee that two inquiries had been conducted into the Valika Hospital incident, during which 37 officials were identified for disciplinary action. He said the inquiry findings had not been made public due to security considerations but assured the Committee that strict action would be taken against those found responsible. He also informed members that the Sindh Government had established a social security fund to support families affected by HIV.

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