Islamabad: Concerned over the growing spread of HIV and other blood borne infections among children and the wider population due to unsafe medical practices, a group of healthcare professionals, public health experts and citizens under the banner of Lok Sehat has decided to launch a nationwide awareness and advocacy campaign aimed at promoting patient safety, safe injections, screened blood transfusions and improved infection control practices across Pakistan.
The decision was taken at a strategy preparation meeting of Lok Sehat held at the office of Alight in Islamabad and presided over by former Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health Dr Zafar Mirza, who is also a member of the Prime Minister’s Task Force on HIV.
The meeting was attended by Dr Quaid Saeed, Dr Hassan Abbas Zaheer, Dr Tariq Cheema, Dr Adnan Khan, Dr Anis Ahmed, Mrs Maryam Zafar and journalist Muhammad Waqar Bhatti, while Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Jr, Imran Patel, Muhkam Khan and Syed Omer Ahmed joined online.
Participants reviewed the emerging HIV situation in Pakistan, particularly the increasing number of children infected through unsafe injections, contaminated medical procedures and transfusion of unscreened blood, and discussed ways to mobilise public support for stronger safeguards in the healthcare system.
Dr Zafar Mirza informed the participants that the report of the Prime Minister’s Task Force on HIV had been finalised and was awaiting approval from the competent authority before its formal release. He said the report contains a set of recommendations aimed at curbing the spread of HIV and strengthening prevention, surveillance and regulatory mechanisms in the country.
The meeting decided that Lok Sehat would focus on public awareness regarding HIV prevention, the importance of timely treatment, injection safety, safe blood transfusions and infection prevention and control measures at healthcare facilities. Participants agreed to use both mainstream and social media platforms to disseminate evidence based information and counter misinformation.
A three member committee comprising Dr Quaid Saeed, Dr Adnan Khan and Dr Hasan Abbas Zaheer was constituted to prepare standardised awareness messages in Urdu and regional languages including Punjabi, Pashto, Sindhi, Seraiki and Balochi for dissemination through social media and community networks.
Members stressed the need to engage professional bodies including the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) and Pakistan Islamic Medical Association (PIMA) in efforts to improve medical practices and address factors contributing to the transmission of HIV and other infections.
The participants appreciated the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) for seeking details from relevant authorities regarding healthcare professionals reportedly involved in unsafe practices linked to HIV transmission in Taunsa after receiving concerns raised by Lok Sehat.
Dr Zafar Mirza informed the meeting that several internationally recognised infectious disease experts, including Pakistani professionals based in the United States, had approached Lok Sehat and offered technical assistance to support efforts aimed at controlling HIV and strengthening patient safety in Pakistan.
Dr Adnan Khan and Dr Quaid Saeed said international expertise could help improve infection control guidelines, disease surveillance systems and cost effective sterilisation practices, particularly in underserved and remote areas.
The meeting requested Dr Tariq Cheema to approach the Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America (APPNA) for technical and professional support in the group’s activities.
Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Jr briefed participants on awareness activities being undertaken by his organisation in Sindh among families of HIV infected children and highlighted the importance of using local languages to communicate public health messages effectively.
Participants also reviewed a strategy document prepared by Lok Sehat, which calls for stronger regulation of healthcare providers, enhanced accountability in the public and private health sectors, merit based appointments in health institutions, better enforcement of existing laws and regulations, protection for whistleblowers and greater government investment in disease prevention and control.
The document also proposes establishment of a digital platform for expert discussions and formation of citizen groups across Pakistan to advocate for safer healthcare and patient rights.
The meeting decided to expand Lok Sehat by inducting additional experts, healthcare professionals and citizens from Pakistan and abroad and reaffirmed its commitment to becoming a platform advocating for safer healthcare services, patient rights and better health outcomes for people across the country.
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