The Punjab Healthcare Commission (PHC) has commenced its anti-quackery initiatives, executing raids on 2,130 treatment centers throughout Punjab within a span of four weeks and sealing 500 illegal clinics.
According to a spokesperson for the PHC on Sunday, enforcement teams inspected a diverse array of treatment facilities, which included clinics, laboratories, and aesthetic centers.
Consequently, 500 quackery outlets were sealed in Punjab.
In the meantime, 232 centers were identified as having undergone business alterations, with operators either relocating, ceasing operations, or transitioning to different businesses in response to the Commission’s stringent enforcement measures.
Furthermore, 1,285 healthcare establishments (HCEs) have been placed under observation to avert any resurgence of quackery, as qualified professionals were managing these centers during the inspections.
Chief Executive Officer of PHC, Dr. Muhammad Saqib Aziz, said that the ongoing campaign demonstrates the Commission’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding public health.
It further ensures that only licensed and qualified practitioners deliver medical services within the province.
PHC seals 133 illegal clinics in Lahore
Lahore witnessed the highest number of closures, with 133 illegal clinics being shut down.
The crackdown also reached other districts, leading to the sealing of 25 centers in Sheikhupura, 23 in Faisalabad, 21 each in Sialkot and Narowal, 20 in Rawalpindi, 18 in Multan, 17 in Kasur, and 14 each in Okara and Jhang.
Throughout the operation, authorities sealed approximately 277 clinics operated by unqualified general practitioners, around 60 illegal medical stores and pharmacies.
More than 50 dental clinics, over 40 hakeems and Tibb practices, a dozen homeopathic clinics, over 30 unregistered laboratories and collection centers were also sealed.
Authorities further raided about 14 maternity homes, and 13 traditional bone-setter outlets functioning without recognised qualifications.
