Govt makes HIV screening mandatory before surgeries across Pakistan
New HIV screening policy
Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal has directed health authorities to make HIV screening mandatory before surgeries and other procedures that involve piercing or cutting the skin.
The decision is aimed at reducing the risk of HIV transmission linked to healthcare procedures and improving patient safety.
The directive was issued during a meeting of the Joint Working Group on HIV/AIDS at the Ministry of Health.
Officials in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan have been instructed to issue the required notifications and implement the new policy.
Sindh, Punjab and the Islamabad Capital Territory have already introduced similar screening requirements.
The government now wants the same approach followed nationwide so that patients receive a consistent level of protection before undergoing surgical procedures.
Focus on healthcare safety
The new HIV screening Pakistan policy comes as authorities focus on preventing infections inside healthcare facilities.
Mustafa Kamal said HIV screening before surgery should become an important part of infection prevention where medical procedures involve breaking the skin.
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The minister also highlighted several areas that need attention, including unsafe injections, weak infection-control practices and gaps in blood safety.
These problems can increase the risk of infections if proper precautions are not followed.
Officials have been asked to address these concerns through a coordinated national framework. The aim is to make hospitals and other healthcare facilities safer for patients.
Support for children with HIV
The meeting also focused on children living with HIV. Kamal said their needs should go beyond medicines and regular medical treatment.
He stressed the importance of proper nutrition, psychological support and social welfare assistance for children affected by HIV Pakistan.
The minister also directed officials to invite provincial healthcare commissions to the next meeting.
The commissions will review infection prevention and control measures and discuss ways to improve safety standards in healthcare facilities.
What the policy means
Under the planned nationwide approach, patients undergoing certain surgical procedures involving skin piercing or incisions will be screened for HIV.
Officials in provinces where the policy is not yet in place will need to complete the necessary administrative steps before implementation.
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The government believes a common system can reduce differences between provinces and strengthen infection prevention across the country.
The policy could also encourage hospitals to improve testing procedures, sterilisation practices and blood safety.
