KARACHI: Thee provincial Drug Testing Laboratory has declared intravenous (IV) infusion sets from five companies to be substandard, raising fresh concerns about infection prevention.
According to Director Drug Testing Laboratory Sindh, Adnan Rizvi, the tested samples failed to meet required standards. The length of the tubing in five IV drip sets did not conform to specifications, while the material used in their manufacture was also found to be below quality benchmarks.
MM News has learnt that samples collected from Naushahro Feroze and Karachi’s Miller area were declared substandard under the Medical Device Rules 2017. The laboratory has forwarded its findings to drug inspectors and shared the reports with the Secretary of the Quality Control Board Sindh.
It is pertinent to mention here that the latest development comes against the backdrop of the HIV outbreak linked to Velika Hospital, where investigations earlier revealed lapses in sterilisation, improper biomedical waste disposal, and possible reuse of syringes.
After Valika, HIV cases surface at Karachi’s Landhi Social Security Hospital
A federal health ministry inquiry in July concluded that reusing a single syringe on multiple newborns was the primary cause of the spread, with at least 104 people infected, including 95 children.
Authorities had previously set up an antiretroviral therapy (ART) centre at Velika Hospital, issued show‑cause notices to 37 doctors and staff, and ordered disciplinary action. Yet community fears persist, particularly in Pathan Colony and surrounding areas, where families continue to report children suffering from persistent fevers and weakness.
Officials say the latest findings on IV sets highlight systemic weaknesses in infection‑control practices and underscore the need for stricter oversight of medical devices to prevent further tragedies.
