The new therapy uses exosomes to transport Cas12a into cells to precisely localize the HIV virus, including latent HIV, and fragment its genome, achieving a functional cure for AIDS. PHOTO: PEXELS
ISLAMABAD:
A parliamentary body on Thursday raised alarm over a sharp rise in HIV cases in Taunsa, where 331 patients have been reported, terming the situation “urgent” and seeking a comprehensive briefing at its next meeting.
The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on National Health Services, chaired by Dr. Mahesh Kumar Malani, also expressed serious concern over deaths in medical schools, especially cases of suicide reported from Punjab and Mirpurkhas.
The panel directed the ministry to conduct thorough investigations and submit a detailed report along with corrective measures.
Regarding the situation in Taunsa, the committee called the increasing number of HIV cases alarming and called for a comprehensive briefing in the next session, including details on the use of global funds.
The Committee further reviewed the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council Ordinance 2025 and recommended its approval after incorporating necessary amendments.
An exposé by the BBC has revealed that “gross malpractice” in the children’s ward of a state hospital in Punjab’s Taunsa continued months after the facility was linked to an outbreak of HIV among children, the British broadcaster said.
An increase in HIV cases at Taunsa Tehsil headquarters hospital was reported in late 2024.
“Punjab authorities promised a crackdown – but months later, secret footage by BBC Eye Investigations found that children’s lives were still at risk,” the broadcaster said in a press release.
The revelations were made in a documentary podcast and have also been described 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 who worked at the hospital told the broadcaster that nothing had changed.
Members were informed that future MDCAT exams would be conducted immediately after the completion of FSc and Cambridge exams across the country to prevent delays for students.
The chairman directed that the exam schedules be announced well in advance to facilitate better preparation.
The Union Minister said during the briefing that although around 1,100 seats had initially remained vacant, a coordinated effort by the government and relevant institutions led to 98% of the seats being filled, benefiting nearly 1,000 students.
