The Sindh Healthcare Commission (SHCC) had officially banned the Widal and Typhidot tests across the province in December 2022, but many doctors and laboratories continue to use these unreliable tests. Despite repeated attempts to attract the attention of the authorities, the SHCC and district health authorities have failed to enforce the ban.
Besides, the provincial Health and Population Welfare Department has failed to establish proper laws for pathological laboratories. This regulatory failure is a direct threat to public health.
According to health regulations, only blood culture and sensitivity (CS) test is the validated tool in the diagnosis of typhoid fever. The continued reliance on outdated tests has led to frequent misdiagnosis and unnecessary antibiotic usage, contributing to the alarming rise of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) typhoid.
This is an alarming situation involving malpractice, fake reports, and poor command and control. If such reckless practices continue, we may soon face a crisis where no treatment options would be available anymore. The relevant authorities in Sindh should take a strict action against those violating the ban.
DR ABDUL QADEER MEMON
NAUSHAHRO FEROZE
