Sindh Health Minister Dr Azra Pechuho has stressed strict adherence to hygiene standards and SOPs in hospitals, saying that the life of every patient was precious and no negligence would be tolerated. According to a handout, she was speaking at an awareness session on hygiene and infection control held at the New Deputy Commissioner Complex in Hyderabad, organized by the Health Department.

Senior officials including DG Health Sindh Dr. Waqar Memon, Deputy Commissioner Zain-ul-Abideen Memon and other health officers, doctors and workers attended the event. Dr. Pechuho said that doctors and health staff must perform their duties with full responsibility to protect people from diseases and infections. She emphasized that proper cleanliness, waste management, hand hygiene and sterilization in hospitals were essential to stop the spread of infections. 

She also highlighted that every child should be vaccinated against measles to help prevent disease outbreaks. The minister warned that using used or unsafe syringes can spread dangerous diseases like hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV. She instructed that only new and safe syringes must be used in all medical procedures. Hygiene and sanitization practices recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) should be strictly followed to reduce infection risks, she expressed. 

Dr. Azra Pechuho announced that special monitoring committees would be formed to inspect hospitals twice a day and check cleanliness, waste disposal  and staff hygiene. She added that no negligence in this regard will be accepted. She also directed officials to launch strong public awareness campaigns at the district level using social media and other platforms to educate people about hygiene and preventive health measures. 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)