A task force set up to investigate HIV cases and reuse of contaminated syringes in the country convened its second meeting at the Ministry of Health in Islamabad on Friday with Minister of State for Health Dr Mukhtar Bharath in the chair.
The meeting was attended by senior officials from federal and provincial institutions, health experts and representatives of relevant organizations. Among the participants were renowned cardiologist and Punjab government health adviser Major General (retd) Azhar Mahmood Kiani, former Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Dr Zafar Mirza, Dean of the Institute of Public Health Lahore Dr Saira Afzal, infectious diseases specialist Dr Sabiha Qazi and Vice Chancellor of Health Services Academy Islamabad Dr Shahzad Ali Khan. Provincial health secretaries joined the session through video link, while officials from the National Institute of Health, DRAP UNAIDS and the Common Management Unit also attended.
Addressing the meeting, Dr Mukhtar Bharath said the objective of the task force was to conduct a comprehensive investigation into HIV cases, identify those responsible and formulate actionable recommendations to prevent such incidents in the future. He stressed that cases involving the use of contaminated and reused syringes would be thoroughly investigated.
The task force directed the activation of a special dashboard between NIH, CDC and CMU to establish a real-time HIV data system aimed at improving monitoring, trend analysis and institutional coordination. Participants also agreed on the need to prepare a National Public Health Law for the prevention of HIV in the country.
The meeting emphasized the importance of preventing the spread of HIV through unsafe medical practices and called for stronger infection prevention and control measures. Recommendations included mandatory HIV screening and pre-operative testing in hospitals nationwide, regular inspections of medical centers and pharmacies and strict penalties for violations of rules and regulations related to reusable syringes.
The task force also recommended action against the sale and mislabeling of reusable syringes and directed that healthcare commissions across the country be made fully functional, stable and empowered to ensure effective implementation of patient safety protocols.
Participants stressed the need to ensure timely availability of essential medical supplies to prevent syringe reuse. The meeting also agreed to improve access to testing, treatment and preventive services for high-risk groups and affected areas, include HIV in the list of notifiable diseases and launch a nationwide awareness campaign.
Clear responsibilities were assigned to relevant institutions with directions for immediate steps to prevent misuse of syringes and IV sets. The task force further recommended that DRAP launch a strict crackdown on reused syringes while ensuring continuous monitoring of medical stores, pharmacies and distribution networks.
Task force members observed that evidence-based measures were essential to prevent the spread of blood-borne diseases. During the meeting, Border Health Services were also directed to ensure provision of medicines and quality medical facilities for HIV-infected children at home, while strengthening screening of deportees at airports and other entry points.