Sindh Launches Crackdown on Illegal Blood Banks and Quack Doctors
October 29, 2025
The Sindh government has announced a province-wide operation against illegal blood banks and unregistered medical practitioners, following alarming reports of rising HIV cases. The decision was made during a high-level meeting on HIV prevention chaired by Sindh Health Minister Dr. Azra Pechuho.
Rising HIV Cases Spark Urgent Action
During the briefing, officials informed the health minister that over 600,000 unqualified practitioners are currently operating in Sindh, with nearly 40% based in Karachi. The province has so far registered 3,995 HIV-positive children, with Larkana (1,144 cases), Shikarpur (509), and Benazirabad (256) among the most affected districts.
Experts identified several causes for the spread of HIV, including fake clinics, contaminated injections, and unregistered blood banks. The unsafe reuse of syringes and blades, along with poor medical waste disposal, has also contributed to the problem.
Province-Wide Crackdown Ordered
In response, the government has directed the Sindh Health Care Commission, local police, and deputy commissioners to take immediate action against unlicensed doctors and health facilities. All illegal and unregistered blood banks across Sindh have been ordered to shut down without delay.
Health Minister Dr. Azra Pechuho has also instructed officials to compile a comprehensive list of licensed blood banks in the province. She emphasized the importance of mandatory HIV screening for pregnant women and warned that anyone found reopening sealed medical centers will face strict legal action.
The Sindh government reiterated its commitment to ensuring safe medical practices and public health protection, urging citizens to only visit registered clinics and blood banks for their safety.
