PTA fines CM Pak Rs77.8 Million for SIM sales Geo-fencing violation

  The authorities have established an inquiry committee to investigate the recent HIV cases reported at the Social Security Hospital in Landhi, Karachi. The decision comes after concerns were raised following the confirmation of 10 HIV cases at the hospital, prompting officials to initiate a detailed investigation into the matter. According to an official notification, a five-member inquiry committee has been constituted under the leadership of Chief Medical Officer Dr. Naila Zaheer. The committee has been assigned the responsibility of conducting a comprehensive investigation into the reported HIV cases and identifying any possible shortcomings in hospital practices that may have contributed to the situation. As part of its mandate, the committee will verify the total number of HIV cases reported at the hospital. It will also confirm the identities of the affected patients and examine laboratory reports to ensure the accuracy of the diagnoses. This verification process is considered essential to establish the exact scope of the issue before any conclusions are drawn. The inquiry will also focus on identifying the possible sources of HIV transmission. Investigators will carefully review medical procedures carried out at the hospital, particularly the use of injections and disposable syringes. The committee will examine whether proper infection prevention and control protocols were followed and whether single-use syringes and other disposable medical equipment were used appropriately. Any evidence of negligence or unsafe medical practices will be documented as part of the investigation. In addition, the committee has been directed to investigate the procurement, availability, and utilization of medicines and disposable medical supplies within the hospital. This includes reviewing purchasing procedures, stock management, and the distribution of medical equipment to determine whether any irregularities or shortages may have affected patient safety. The notification further states that the committee will compile complete records of the affected children and their parents. This data collection aims to provide a clearer understanding of the circumstances surrounding each reported case and assist in determining whether there are any common factors linking the infections. The information gathered will also help health authorities provide appropriate medical care and follow-up support to the affected families. Another important responsibility assigned to the committee is identifying any individuals or departments found responsible for lapses in hospital procedures, if such lapses are confirmed during the inquiry. The final report will include recommendations aimed at improving hospital management, strengthening infection control measures, enhancing patient safety, and preventing similar incidents in the future. The formation of the inquiry committee reflects the authorities’ effort to thoroughly investigate the reported HIV cases and ensure transparency in the process. Health officials are expected to review the committee’s findings once the investigation is completed and take tappropriate action based on its recommendations. It is worth noting that 10 HIV cases have been reported at the Social Security Hospital in Landhi, leading to growing public concern and the launch of this formal investigation. The outcome of the inquiry will play an important role in determining the cause of the reported infections and in reinforcing public confidence in healthcare services by ensuring accountability and improved safety standards.

Islamabad: A major debate has erupted over medical college seat expansion in Pakistan after the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) announced new seat enhancements for private medical colleges, while hundreds of existing private sector seats remain vacant due to the high cost of medical education. During a meeting of the Sub Committee of the Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, the PMDC President informed lawmakers that seat enhancement approval has so far been granted to 19 private medical colleges. However, the exact number of additional seats approved for these 19 private medical colleges has not yet been disclosed. The announcement came as the committee was already discussing the serious shortage of affordable medical education opportunities for students who want to become doctors. PMDC officials also informed the committee that the government has increased public sector medical college seats by 780 additional seats, creating more opportunities for students seeking admission in public institutions. The committee was told that the increase in seats was part of efforts to expand medical education opportunities and address the growing student demand. At the same time, officials highlighted a major contradiction in the current system. While authorities are increasing the number of medical seats, hundreds of private medical college seats remain empty because many students cannot afford the fees. PMDC officials also informed the committee that hundreds of private medical college seats remained vacant this year because many students were unable to afford the high fee structure of private institutions. They stated the main reason was the high fee structure of private medical colleges, where many students could not afford fees ranging from Rs18 lakh to Rs25 lakh annually. Senator Anusha Rahman questioned why qualified students were unable to enter medical colleges when seats were available. She asked officials whether any seats in public medical colleges were vacant. PMDC officials replied that public medical college seats were completely filled. The senator questioned the situation, saying that thousands of students who had successfully passed MDCAT were still unable to become doctors because of limited seats and financial problems. She pointed out that around 70,000 to 75,000 students who cleared the admission test were left without medical college opportunities. The committee questioned whether enough steps were being taken to protect these students’ futures. During the discussion, Officials suggested a large scale expansion plan and proposed adding 10,000 more medical seats in the Medical sector through government supported loans and scholarship programmes. Senator Shahzaib Durrani said such an initiative could help thousands of students and would require around Rs15 billion annually, which he described as a manageable amount for the government. The committee also discussed whether increasing seats could affect the quality of medical education. PMDC officials explained that medical education requires proper clinical training facilities, including hospitals and patient exposure. Officials said there are specific requirements for increasing medical seats because colleges must have enough hospital beds for students. According to PMDC standards, colleges with 100 students require around 500 hospital beds, while institutions with 200 students need around 750 beds and colleges with 300 students require around 1,000 beds. A PMDC member said medical education cannot be expanded without improving clinical facilities because doctors need practical training, not only classroom education. However, Senator Anusha Rahman argued that increasing seats could encourage institutions to expand their healthcare facilities. She said medical graduates are also a national resource and many Pakistani doctors contribute internationally. The senator directed PMDC to prepare recommendations explaining why private medical college seats remained vacant and what should be done for thousands of qualified students who are unable to secure admission.

LAHORE: The growing impact of water insecurity and climate change on women took center stage at a dialogue titled “Women and Water,” jointly organized by Women in Struggle for Empowerment (WISE) and the University of Home Economics, Lahore. The event brought together academics, development professionals, and civil society representatives to advocate for inclusive and gender-responsive water governance in Pakistan. Addressing the gathering, Vice Chancellor of the University of Home Economics, Prof. Dr. Zaib-un-Nisa, underscored the urgent need to tackle water pollution, plastic waste, and inadequate water treatment systems. She stressed that sustainable solutions require greater investment in scientific water management, wider adoption of rainwater harvesting, improved household water storage, advanced recycling technologies, and university-led awareness campaigns to encourage responsible water use. Executive Director of WISE, Bushra Khaliq, said that Pakistan’s water challenges cannot be effectively addressed without recognizing their disproportionate impact on women and girls, who often bear the greatest burden of water scarcity. She emphasized the importance of drawing lessons from organizations working directly in urban water management and called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, academia, civil society, and local communities. She also urged policymakers to ensure women’s voices, experiences, and leadership are fully integrated into water governance at every level. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Iram Rubab, Head of the Sociology Department at the University of Home Economics, described water as a multidimensional issue linked to health, agriculture, family welfare, livelihoods, sociology, and environmental sustainability. She encouraged interdisciplinary dialogue and collaborative research, noting that adopting a gender perspective in water management leads to more effective identification of challenges and practical solutions, particularly as women remain the primary managers of household water resources. The participants agreed that addressing Pakistan’s growing water crisis requires policies that not only strengthen water management but also recognize the vital role of women in ensuring sustainable and equitable access to this essential resource.