KARACHI: The Sindh Healthcare Commission has sealed An Hassan Hospital in Malir 15 after a 20-day-old newborn tested positive for Mpox, with authorities suspecting that contaminated circumcision instruments may have been responsible for the infection. The facility was allegedly operating illegally and employing unqualified staff to perform circumcisions, officials said.According to details reported by the district health administration, the case came to light after the District Health Officer (DHO) Korangi reported an Mpox infection in the newborn. Samples from the infant were tested at Dow Laboratory, where the virus was confirmed.Following the report, officials of the Sindh Healthcare Commission launched an operation in coordination with the DHO Korangi and SSP Korangi. An inspection of An Hassan Hospital, located in the jurisdiction of Saudabad Police Station, revealed serious concerns regarding hygiene, infection prevention and control measures, as well as alleged illegal medical activities.Officials said the newborn had undergone circumcision at the facility and allegedly contracted the infection through contaminated instruments used during the procedure. The hospital was subsequently sealed over concerns about patient safety and the potential risks to public health.During the operation, hospital staff allegedly resisted the inspection and called other associates to the scene. With assistance from district police, healthcare commission officials conducted a detailed inspection of the premises. Several individuals described by officials as quack practitioners and other persons subsequently fled the scene.The action was taken over poor sanitation, inadequate arrangements for preventing and controlling infections, and the alleged involvement of unqualified personnel in medical procedures, particularly circumcisions involving children.Authorities said the conditions identified at the facility posed serious risks to patients and public health. The case has highlighted concerns over the need for proper regulation of healthcare facilities, qualified medical personnel and strict infection-control protocols, particularly for procedures involving newborns.The allegations regarding the hospital and the suspected source of infection are based on the reported findings of the health authorities.
