The new therapy uses exosomes to carry Cas12a into cells to precisely localize the HIV virus, including latent HIV, and shred its genome, thereby obtaining a functional cure for AIDS. PHOTO: PEXELS
ISLAMABAD:
A parliamentary body on Thursday warned of a sharp increase in HIV cases in Taunsa, where 331 patients have been reported, calling the situation “worrying” and demanding a full briefing at its next meeting.
The National Assembly Standing Committee on National Health Services, chaired by Dr Mahesh Kumar Malani, also expressed grave concern over deaths in medical colleges, especially suicide cases reported from Punjab and Mirpurkhas.
The committee 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 growing 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 approval after incorporating necessary amendments.
A BBC report has revealed that “serious malpractice” 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.
An increase in HIV cases at Taunsa Tehsil Headquarters Hospital was reported in late 2024.
“Punjab authorities promised a crackdown, but months later, secret filming by BBC Eye Investigations revealed that the children’s lives were still in danger,” the channel said in a press release.
The revelations were made in a documentary podcast and were also detailed in a written report.
The BBC said that months after 106 children were infected at Taunsa, health authorities promised a “massive crackdown” and suspended THQ’s medical director in March 2025, but a relative working at the hospital told the channel nothing had changed.
Members were informed that future MDCAT exams would be conducted immediately after the conclusion of FSc and Cambridge exams across the country to avoid delays for students.
The President directed that the exam schedules should be announced well in time to facilitate better preparation.
The federal minister said at the press briefing that although around 1,100 seats were initially left vacant, the coordinated efforts of the government and relevant institutions resulted in filling 98 per cent of the seats, benefiting nearly 1,000 students.
