The Sindh Healthcare Commission (SHCC) has strongly refuted a media report alleging that it lacks the authority to inspect medical waste management practices in hospitals.
The commission stated today that it provides hospitals with guidelines on infection prevention and control (IPC) and medical waste management. Hospitals are granted licences only after fully complying with the prescribed standards. It added that SHCC conducts inspections periodically to ensure continued adherence to these requirements.
To enhance patient safety, SHCC also provides regular training to hospital staff. However, the commission noted that it is not responsible for the day-to-day administration of hospitals. It said that implementing these standards and ensuring their proper observance remain the responsibility of hospital management.
The statement further said that if medical waste is found outside a hospital, SHCC has already issued clear guidelines for its safe disposal. It added that established procedures and authorised agencies are in place to ensure the proper disposal of medical waste.
The commission also clarified that SHCC is a regulatory body rather than an administrative authority. It said that while it formulates standards and issues guidelines, the relevant government departments and hospital administrations are responsible for implementing them to safeguard patient welfare.
SHCC said that ensuring compliance with hospital standards, licensing requirements and cleanliness regulations forms part of its regulatory mandate. It added that whenever inspections reveal deficiencies, the commission notifies hospital management in writing so that appropriate corrective measures can be taken.
Regarding Kulsoom Bai Valika Hospital, SHCC said that its inspection teams have been visiting the facility regularly. It added that the hospital administration had been formally informed to ensure compliance with the required patient safety standards.
SHCC urged media organisations and journalists to verify facts and obtain the commission’s official position before publishing or broadcasting reports on such sensitive issues.