RAWALPINDI, Feb 26 (APP):The District Health Authority (DHA), Rawalpindi has launched raids against medical labs allegedly involved in issuing fake health certificates and registered an FIR against one outlet following evidence of large-scale forgery.
According to the details, the enforcement teams carried out inspections after reports surfaced that counterfeit certificates were being prepared and distributed to the public. During the inquiry, officials found that serial numbers on the bogus certificates had reached nearly 2,600, indicating systematic malpractice.
Dr Ehsan Ghani, the district health chief, said the authority had adopted a zero-tolerance policy against anyone attempting to jeopardize public health through fraudulent documentation.
“Only the competent authority of the District Health Authority is authorized to issue such certificates; no private lab, clinic or medical store has the legal mandate to prepare or distribute them,” he told APP.
He added that strict legal action had been initiated to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. “Public health is non-negotiable. We will continue targeted inspections and raids to dismantle any network involved in forgery or illegal certification,” he stated.
The report revealed that some labs were engaged in issuing fake vaccination certificates to those intending to travel abroad. A formal FIR was lodged against the concerned medical store, and further legal proceedings are underway.
District Health Officer Dr. Jawad told APP that the crackdown would be expanded to other areas to verify the authenticity of certificates being issued by private facilities.
“We are reviewing records and strengthening monitoring mechanisms to prevent recurrence of such violations,” he said.
Dr. Jawad warned that obtaining or using fake certificates is also a punishable offence. “Citizens must ensure that any health-related documentation is obtained only through authorized channels. Those found facilitating or benefiting from fake certificates will face legal consequences,” he added.
The authority has urged members of the public to report any suspicious activity to health officials so that timely action can be taken.