Nine children have tragically died from the outbreak of a mysterious skin disease in Khairpur district, prompting a senior political leader to accuse the provincial government and the health department of criminal negligence.
Sardar Abdul Rahim, the General Secretary of the Pakistan Muslim League-Functional (PML-F) Sindh, expressed deep concern today over the spreading disease and rising fatalities. In a statement, he criticized the Sindh government, stating that it is in a “deep slumber” while innocent lives are being lost.
The PML-F leader sharply criticized the statement by the District Health Officer (DHO) of Khairpur as irresponsible, in which he had expressed hope for the children’s recovery. Rahim pointed out that this assurance starkly contradicts reports that parents are being turned away from hospitals, being told that no treatment for the disease is available.
Further highlighting the alleged incompetence of the health department, Rahim pointed to the failure to receive diagnostic reports from Karachi for samples taken from eight children. The government has not yet been able to determine whether the outbreak is “chickenpox” or “mpox” (monkeypox).
He demanded the immediate imposition of a “health emergency” in the affected areas. His demands also included dispatching special teams of expert doctors and taking strict disciplinary action against any negligent staff.
Rahim warned that the Sindh administration would be held fully responsible if the epidemic spreads to other districts due to a lack of immediate vaccination and preventive measures.
Expressing heartfelt sympathies with the bereaved families, Sardar Abdul Rahim also appealed to the federal government and the World Health Organization (WHO) to take notice of this grave situation and intervene to help the vulnerable population.