Sindh Health Minister Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho announced a series of far-reaching reforms on Wednesday aimed at overhauling the province’s healthcare system.
According to media reports, key measures include addressing chronic staff absenteeism, introducing biometric attendance systems in hospitals, and tackling the shortage of anesthesiologists, which has led to the closure of intensive care units (ICUs) in some facilities.
Speaking at a press conference, Dr Azra outlined several steps to upgrade healthcare services, including implementing biometric systems across all hospitals in Sindh to curb staff absenteeism.
Additionally, teaching hospitals will soon be equipped with simulation labs to enhance practical training for medical professionals. Recruitment efforts have also begun, with the Sindh Public Service Commission hiring doctors and paramedics, subject to pending court orders.
Scandals and health initiatives addressed
Dr Azra also touched on a fake domicile scandal at Lyari’s Male College of Nursing, confirming that students with fraudulent documents had been expelled, and officials responsible would face strict action. An inquiry is underway to resolve the issue.
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On maternal and infant health, the health minister defended the Human Milk Bank initiative, despite opposition over concerns related to Islamic milk kinship. Dr Azra stressed the importance of breastfeeding, warning against the risks of formula milk, which should only be used under medical supervision.
The health department is collaborating with NADRA and the Council of Islamic Ideology to propose amendments to the family tree system to reflect milk kinship, ensuring the initiative aligns with religious beliefs.
In response to the critical shortage of anesthesiologists, which has severely impacted ICUs in public hospitals, Dr Azra announced that recruitment efforts are underway. She also proposed a partnership with private hospital anesthesiologists to manage cases in public facilities and maintain ICU operations.
Dr Azra further revealed that 140 PCR-confirmed cases of chikungunya had been reported this year, while malaria cases have declined. She advocated for larvicide campaigns to prevent mosquito breeding, stating that fumigation alone is insufficient. On another note, the province has not recorded any Mpox cases but remains vigilant.
The health minister also announced the hiring of 17 medico-legal officers, most of them women, in Karachi. She disclosed that two new medical towers would be constructed at Civil Hospital, Karachi, as part of the hospital’s upcoming upgrade.
Furthermore, Sindh’s e-pharmacy initiative, launched at Civil Hospital to ensure transparent medicine distribution, will soon be expanded to other hospitals across the province. Funds to prevent future shortages of medication at Jinnah Hospital have also been approved.
