KARACHI: The Sindh Healthcare Commission (SHCC) has sealed a private hospital in Malir after receiving a report from the district health officer (DHO) about a laboratory-confirmed mpox case in an infant.

According to a statement, the infant reportedly contracted the infection after circumcision was performed using contaminated scissors at Ibne Hassan Hospital in Malir 15 within the remit of the Saudabad police station.

It said the action was taken over poor hygiene, inadequate infection prevention and control measures and reported malpractices that raised serious concerns about patient safety and public health.

“The [baby’s swab] sample tested positive at a Dow laboratory. Following the report, SHCC officials, with the support of the DHO Korangi and the SSP, took action and sealed the hospital, which was being run illegally by non-qualified staff and quacks,” said the statement.

It further stated that the SHCC officials faced resistance at the facility, while they were carrying out their official duties. “However, with the support of the Korangi police, the situation was brought under control, and the team subsequently sealed the facility,” it added.

Last week, a 40-day-old baby tested positive for mpox and he was under treatment at the Sindh Infectious Diseases Hospital & Research Centre (SIDH&RC).

A senior doctor had said that the baby boy had developed fever and rashes all over the body and his parents took him to a private hospital, from where he was referred to SIDH&RC.

Published in Dawn, October 21st, 2026