KPK discontinues Typhoid diagnostic tests, calls it 'wastage of resources'

Peshawar: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Care Commission has recently announced to discontinue Typhoid diagnostic tests for XDR typhoid as such tests are ‘of no use and just wastage of resources.’

A notification released by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Care Commission, read, “In compliance of Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance Division, National Institute of Health (NIH) Islamabad, has reported that Typhoid Fever in Pakistan and outbreaks of Extensively Drug-Resistant Salmonella Typhi (XDR S Typhi) have been reported since 2016 in different parts of the country. The XDR S Typhi sensitive to drugs like Carbapenem (Meropenem) and macrolide (Azithromycin). Research has confirmed that Typhoid diagnostic tests conducted by clinical laboratories during typhoid fever are of no use and just wastage of resources.”

The authorities of all clinical laboratories in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were directed to stop forthwith from conducting Typhoid Tests for diagnosis of typhoid fever. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Care Commission will ensure compliance and in case of any contravention, strict legal action will be initiated against the violators.

-MN Report