The new therapy uses exosomes to transport Cas12a into cells to precisely localize the HIV virus, including latent HIV, and destroy its genome, achieving a functional cure for AIDS. PHOTO: PEXELS
ISLAMABAD:
A parliamentary body raised the alarm on Thursday over the sharp increase in HIV cases in Taunsa, where 331 patients have been registered, describing the situation as “worrying” and calling for comprehensive information at its next meeting.
The National Assembly Standing Committee on National Health Services, chaired by Dr Mahesh Kumar Malani, also expressed serious concern over the deaths in medical colleges, particularly the suicide cases reported in 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 described the increasing number of HIV cases as alarming and called for a comprehensive briefing at 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 adoption after incorporating necessary amendments.
A BBC expose has revealed that “serious malpractices” in the children’s ward of a government hospital in Taunsa, Punjab, continued months after the facility was linked to an HIV outbreak among children, the British broadcaster said.
In late 2024, an increase in HIV cases was reported at the central hospital in Taunsa Tehsil.
“Punjab authorities promised to take strong action, but months later, secret filming by BBC Eye Investigations found that children’s lives were still in danger,” the broadcaster said in a press release.
The revelations were made in a documentary podcast and also detailed in a written report.
The BBC said that months after 106 children were infected in Taunsa, health authorities promised a “massive crackdown” and suspended THQ’s medical superintendent in March 2025, but a source working at the hospital told the broadcaster that nothing had changed.
Members were informed that future MDCAT exams would be held immediately after the conclusion of FSc and Cambridge exams across the country to avoid delays for students.
The President directed that the exam schedules be announced well in advance to facilitate better preparation.
The federal minister, during the briefing, said that although around 1,100 places were initially vacant, the coordinated efforts of the government and relevant institutions made it possible to fill 98% of the places, benefiting almost 1,000 students.
