PML-F criticises Sindh government over child deaths linked to skin disease in Khairpur

KHAIRPUR: Pakistan Muslim League-Functional (PML-F) Sindh Secretary General Sardar Abdul Rahim on Sunday voiced serious concern over the spread of what he described as a mysterious skin disease among children in Khairpur district, and accused the Sindh government of criminal negligence in dealing with the situation.

In a statement, Rahim said at least nine children have died so far due to the disease, according to media reports, while the provincial government had still not taken effective steps to address the outbreak.

He also criticised the District Health Officer in Khairpur for issuing what he called an irresponsible statement by saying that it is hoped the children will recover soon, while parents, according to Rahim, were being turned away from hospitals because no treatment was available.

Rahim said samples from eight affected children had been sent to Karachi for testing, but no report had been received yet. He said the delay reflected the incompetence of the health department.

He further said the authorities had still not determined whether the illness was chickenpox or monkeypox, even as the number of deaths continued to increase.

The PML-F leader called for an immediate health emergency in the affected areas and demanded that teams of specialist doctors be sent without delay. He also sought strict action against officials found responsible for negligence.

Rahim warned that if urgent vaccination and preventive measures were not taken and the disease spread to other districts, the Sindh administration would bear full responsibility.

Expressing condolences to the families of the deceased children, he urged the federal government and the World Health Organisation to take notice of the situation and help contain the outbreak in order to protect vulnerable communities.