HIV surge in Taunsa triggers health alert

A parliamentary body on Thursday raised alarm over a sharp increase in HIV cases in Taunsa, where 331 patients have been reported, terming the situation "concerning" and seeking a comprehensive briefing in its next meeting. The National Assembly Standing Committee on National Health Services, chaired by Dr Mahesh Kumar Malani, also expressed serious concern over deaths in medical colleges, particularly cases of suicide reported from Punjab and Mirpurkhas. The panel directed the ministry to conduct thorough investigations and present a detailed report along with corrective measures. Regarding the situation in Taunsa, the committee termed the rising number of HIV cases alarming and called for a comprehensive briefing in the next session, including details regarding the utilisation of global funds. The committee further reviewed the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council Ordinance 2025 and recommended its approval after incorporating necessary amendments. An expose by the BBC has revealed that "serious malpractices" in the children's ward of a government hospital in Punjab's Taunsa continued months after the facility was linked to an outbreak of HIV among children, the British broadcaster said. A surge in HIV cases at Taunsa Tehsil Headquarters Hospital was reported in late 2024. "Punjab authorities promised a crackdown – but months later, secret filming by BBC Eye Investigations found that children's lives were still being put at risk," the broadcaster said in a press release. The revelations were made in a documentary podcast and have also been detailed in a written report. The BBC said that months after 106 children were infected in Taunsa, health authorities promised a 'massive crackdown' and suspended the medical superintendent of THQ in March 2025, but an insider working in the hospital told the broadcaster that nothing had changed. Members were informed that future MDCAT exams would be conducted immediately after the conclusion of FSc and Cambridge examinations across the country to prevent delays for students. The chair directed that exam schedules be announced well in time to facilitate better preparation. The federal minister, during the briefing, said that although around 1,100 seats had initially remained vacant, coordinated efforts by the government and relevant institutions led to 98% of seats being filled, benefiting nearly 1,000 students.