For over two decades, Sindh has operated without an official health policy or a dedicated regulatory authority—an alarming revelation made by senior medical experts. This absence has significantly weakened the province’s ability to respond to public health crises and ensure quality healthcare services for its citizens.
A Two-Decade Policy Vacuum
The last formal health policy in Sindh dates back to 2005. Since then, no updated framework has been introduced, despite the increasing complexity of healthcare needs and multiple disease outbreaks over the years.
This policy gap has had serious consequences:
- Inadequate planning during emergencies like COVID-19
- Poor management of recurring outbreaks (malaria, dengue, hepatitis, HIV/AIDS)
- Ineffective implementation of national health programs
- Lack of disease surveillance and reporting systems
Absence of Regulatory Oversight
Adding to the crisis is the absence of a provincial drug regulatory authority. Even after the 18th Amendment, which gave provinces control over health, Sindh failed to create its own system to oversee medicine quality, pharmacy regulation, and pricing policies.
The Sindh Healthcare Commission: An Underperforming Watchdog
The Sindh Healthcare Commission (SHCC) was launched in 2018, after being notified in 2014, with a mandate to regulate healthcare services and eliminate quackery. However, it has struggled due to:
- Delayed appointments of key officials (Chairman, Commissioners)
- Weak enforcement power
- Limited monitoring capacity
Recent proposals to amend the SHCC Act aim to introduce special courts and stricter penalties for quackery, including a minimum three-year jail sentence—but until properly implemented, these changes may remain only on paper.
The Cost of Inaction
With no health policy or regulatory authority, Sindh is vulnerable to:
- Poor healthcare service quality
- Rising burden of preventable diseases
- Public mistrust in health institutions
- Inconsistent healthcare delivery between urban and rural areas
A Call for Urgent Reform
It is crucial for the Sindh government to prioritize the development of a comprehensive provincial health policy and establish a functional drug regulatory authority. Strengthening the SHCC and ensuring transparency in appointments and governance will also help restore confidence in the healthcare system.
The health of millions depends on bold, immediate action. Sindh can no longer afford to ignore this growing crisis.
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