Ending Tuberculosis: Inauguration of Biosafety Laboratory at Dr. Sikandar Ali Mandhro Civil Hospital, Badin

Indus Hospital & Health Network recently inaugurated the Biosafety Laboratory (BSL) at Dr. Sikandar Ali Mandhro Civil Hospital (Old Building) in Badin on March 14, 2024. The event was led by Dr. Zulfiqar Ali Dharejo, Deputy DG, Health Services Sindh. The Dr. Sikandar Ali Mandhro Civil Hospital now acts as the largest hospital in Badin offering free-of-cost multi-drug resistant (MDR) tuberculosis (TB) diagnostic tests with the newly established BSL further increasing access to essential care in the region and surrounding areas. Funded by the Global Program and Health Department Sindh, this initiative demonstrates dedication to excellence in TB control and patient care.

The event was opened by Dr. Zahiruddin Memon, DHO, and Dr. Salah Khoso, DTC, who warmly welcomed Dr. Zulfiqar Dharejo and CDC 111 Teams. They shared insights into MDR patient enrollment, highlighting the provision of free-of-charge tests. With the addition of the BSL facility, multi-drug resistant (MDR) tuberculosis (TB) patients will no longer need to travel to Hyderabad or Karachi for essential services, removing the burdens of travel and associated costs. This increases the likelihood of MDR patients accessing care and reducing the spread of tuberculosis in the region.

Dr. Zulfiqar expressed gratitude to the district teams, emphasizing the significance of BSL 11 and assuring support at the district level, declaring, “We are going to End TB Soon, Inshallah.”

Key figures such as Dr. Zahiruddin Memon, District Health Officer, Badin; Dr. Mohammad Akhlaque Khan, Head of Campus; Dr. Samreen Ashraf, Additional Director; Dr. Akhtar Hussain Talpur, Civil Surgeon; and Dr. Abid Ali Channa, Program Manager, CDC, were also present at the inauguration.