Karachi: The Sindh Healthcare Commission (SHCC) has strongly denied a news report claiming that the SHCC did not have the authority to inspect medical waste in hospitals.
The Commission said that SHCC provided hospitals with guidelines on infection prevention and control (IPC) and medical waste management. Hospitals were issued a license only after they fully meet these required standards. SHCC also carried out inspections from time to time to make sure hospitals continue to follow these standards.
To improve patient safety, SHCC also provided regular training to hospital staff. However, SHCC was not responsible for the day-to-day management of hospitals. It was the responsibility of the hospital administration to implement these standards and make sure they were properly followed.
The statement further said that if medical waste was found outside a hospital, SHCC has already issued clear guidelines for its safe disposal. There were proper methods and authorized agencies responsible for disposing of medical waste.
The Commission also clarified that SHCC was a regulatory body, not an administrative authority. It sets standards and issues guidelines, while the relevant government departments and hospital administrations were responsible for implementing them to ensure patient safety.
SHCC said that ensuring compliance with hospital standards, licensing requirements, and cleanliness regulations was part of SHCC’s regulatory role. During inspections, if any shortcomings were found, the Commission informed the hospital management in writing so that the necessary corrective actions could be taken.
Regarding Kulsoom Bai Valika Hospital, the SHCC said that its teams have been visiting the hospital regularly. The hospital administration has also been informed in writing to ensure compliance with the required patient safety standards.
SHCC requested media persons to verify the facts and sought SHCC’s official position before publishing or broadcasting news on such sensitive matters.