The recent outbreak of mpox in Khairpur is a serious warning for Sindh’s healthcare system. The deaths of newborn babies, even if not directly caused by the virus, show a deeper problem that cannot be ignored.
When fragile lives are lost in hospitals, questions must be asked. Health officials say that the babies were already weak, premature, and suffering from other complications. This may be true. But it does not remove the responsibility of hospitals to provide safe and clean treatment.
Reports suggesting that the infection may have spread through unsterilised equipment are alarming. Hospitals are meant to heal, not harm. The situation also highlights a common but dangerous issue: poor infection control.
Simple steps like clean equipment, proper hygiene, and the use of protective gear can prevent such outbreaks. When these basic measures are ignored, the consequences can be deadly, especially for newborns.
The response from the authorities shows some urgency. Isolation units have been set up, contact tracing has begun, and affected hospital sections have been closed. These are necessary steps. However, action after a crisis is not enough.
Prevention must come first. This outbreak is not just about one virus or one district. It reflects the condition of public health systems in many parts of the country. If one hospital fails to follow safety rules, the risk spreads quickly to others.
The reports of similar symptoms in Sukkur, Mirpurkhas, and Hyderabad make the situation even more worrying. At the same time, people must stay calm but alert.
Panic will not help, but awareness will. Parents should seek medical help if they notice unusual symptoms in their children. Early reporting can save lives. The government has called the situation a public health emergency, and rightly so.
But such emergencies should not come as surprises. Strong monitoring systems, regular inspections, and strict accountability are needed at all times, not just during outbreaks. *