Sindh Assembly informed: Govt hospitals facing shortage of neurosurgeons

KARACHI: The provincial health minister acknowledged during the Sindh Assembly session on Monday about shortage of neurosurgeons in the province, while showing deep concerns over growing spread of vaccine-related disinformation amongst the poor, particularly regarding polio and measles.

Despite the government’s efforts to improve healthcare services, Sindh Health Minister Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho warned that the misleading narratives about vaccines are the serious hurdles.

Replying to queries about her department’s performance, she told the assembly that the provincial hospitals are struggling with lack of neurosurgeons, hoping that new appointments will help cope with the shortage and ease up the services provisions.

Dr Azra informed the House that more than 700 measles cases were reported across the province in 2024, while over 3,000 cases have already been reported in 2025. She said that between 2018 and 2023, measles caused 16 deaths. The government continues to administer measles vaccines, she added.

A digital electronic system is being developed, under which complete records of children affected by measles will be maintained, she said adding that measles cases are common in Karachi’s densely populated areas because many parents do not bring their children for vaccination.

The health minister said that Karachi is also facing issues with polio and HPV outreach. She noted that the measles vaccine costs six to seven thousand rupees, and misinformation about vaccines is often spread among low-income communities.

She said that 3.7 million vaccine doses have been administered to children under five, while one million children received vaccination under the MR-2 campaign. She appreciated the significant role of Lady Health Workers, whose duties include maternity awareness, administering polio drops, and teaching hand-washing practices. She admitted that the department still faces a shortage of staff.

She said a Community Health Workers programme has been designed to strengthen field operations. Responding to another question, she reiterated the shortage of neurosurgeons, adding that the new appointments will include around 22 medical officers, general surgeons and general physicians.

Speaking about Qatar Hospital Orangi, she said the patient turnover is extremely high. Emergency services will be improved there, and efforts are being made to separate the ICU from the emergency department. She added that neurosurgeons and neurologists prefer private jobs, which is why their availability in the public sector remains limited.

Several call attention notices from lawmakers were also taken up during the session.

MPA Naseer Ahmed, in his notice, said that the condition of Manghopir Road (PS-118) is extremely poor, leading to frequent accidents and loss of lives. He said encroachments are widespread, and officers posted in the area are frequently transferred. He urged the Sindh government to stop illegal activities.

Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Siraj Qasim Soomro said he would send KMC officials to the MPA so they could identify the problematic locations and ensure appropriate action.

MQM’s Kiran Masood, in her notice, said that although the Sui Gas work in North Nazimabad has been completed, the roads have not been rebuilt. Debris remains on the streets, and a child recently died after falling because of it.

Siraj Qasim Soomro responded that road construction requires engineering work. He said 20 percent of the work has been completed, and the roads will be rebuilt before the next monsoon season.

The Sindh Assembly also passed an amendment bill relating to the Sindh Revenue Board. The session was then adjourned until 12 p.m. on Tuesday.

However, showing unity with Pakistan Army, the Sindh Assembly unanimously passed a resolution. The resolution was moved by the Provincial Minister for Home, Law, and Parliamentary Affairs, Zia Lanjar.

While presenting the resolution in the House, Lanjar said that the services and sacrifices of the Pakistan armed forces for the defence of the country are a source of pride for the entire nation. He added that Pakistan’s image around the world has improved in part due to the contributions of the security forces.

He said it was shameful that the family members of a political leader were making false statements on Indian television channels, calling it an act that caused deep disappointment and embarrassment. He added that people often blame security forces for everything, which is unfair.

Lanjar urged political parties not to drag the military into political matters. He said Pakistan currently faces challenges along its borders with Afghanistan and India, and the security forces are bravely defending the nation. He stressed that the forces are sacrificing their lives for the country, which is a matter of great pride.

Lanjar said that standing with and strengthening the armed forces is the duty of every patriotic Pakistani. The House later passed the resolution unanimously.

During the session, the Sindh Domestic Workers Welfare Bill 2025 was also introduced. The bill was presented by Lanjar and was referred to the relevant standing committee for further review.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025