Islamabad, Sep 27: 25 Clinics Sealed for Spreading Hepatitis and HIV in Islamabad
The Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory Authority (IHRA) has sealed 25 healthcare establishments in Islamabad within the past week due to unsafe medical practices that contributed to the spread of blood-borne infections like Hepatitis B, C, HIV, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). According to IHRA officials, many of these clinics, operated by unqualified individuals or quacks, were found reusing syringes and administering antibiotics without proper Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) protocols.
Dr. Quaid Saeed, IHRA’s CEO, expressed concern over the misuse of antibiotics, particularly carbapenem, a drug reserved for critical cases, which was being inappropriately used by these unregistered establishments.
This reckless practice has contributed to the rise of AMR in Pakistan, worsening public health risks and spreading infections like Hepatitis and HIV.
Dr. Saeed stressed the need for a better public healthcare system to prevent people from seeking care from quacks due to affordability issues. He emphasized the importance of prevention through improved access to regulated and affordable healthcare, which could reduce the high costs associated with treating resistant infections.
In addition to 25 Clinics Sealed IHRA suspended 13 others for regulatory non-compliance and issued notices to 66 clinics for minor violations.
