In response to the alarming rise in HIV infections in Sindh, Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) Member of Provincial Assembly (MPA) Maaz Mehboob has tabled a resolution in the Sindh Assembly demanding a thorough parliamentary inquiry. The resolution also requests a comprehensive audit of expenditures related to the health sector and HIV prevention initiatives.
Despite the provincial government’s allocation of PKR 392.16 billion for health, including Rs368 million dedicated to the Sindh AIDS Control Programme and an annual grant of USD 268 million, the number of HIV cases continues to escalate. This troubling trend has prompted calls for an investigation into the effectiveness of these funds and the reasons behind the persistent increase in infections.
In a significant development, the resolution proposes the establishment of a parliamentary committee tasked with examining the spread of HIV throughout Sindh. This committee would be expected to present its findings to the assembly within 30 days. Furthermore, the Sindh health secretary is urged to submit a detailed report outlining the procurement of syringes, inspections conducted, violations reported, and legal actions taken from 2010 to the present.
The resolution highlights the need to investigate the causes of HIV proliferation in key districts such as Karachi, Sukkur, Larkana, and Shikarpur. It emphasizes identifying any negligence and holding responsible parties accountable where applicable.
Notably, the resolution points to the inadequate enforcement of the Sindh Regulation and Control of Disposable Syringes Act, 2010, as a contributing factor to the HIV spread. It demands a full record of the procurement, supply, and distribution of disposable syringes since 2010. Additionally, it calls for stringent legal action under Sections 3 and 5 of the act against the use of ordinary disposable syringes.
To enhance safety, the resolution advocates for mandatory use of auto-disable (AD), auto-lock, and auto-destruct one-time syringes in all public and private healthcare facilities across Sindh. It also requests reports on the implementation status of both the Sindh Blood Transfusion Act and the syringe regulation act.
Ultimately, the resolution urges the provincial government to take immediate and effective measures to halt the further spread of HIV and ensure safe healthcare services throughout all 32 districts of Sindh.
