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LAHORE, Nov 30 (APP):In a major push against illegal medical practice, the Punjab Healthcare Commission (PHC) sealed 492 treatment centres run by unqualified persons across the province during November this year.
A spokesperson for the PHC said on Sunday that anti-quackery teams carried out inspections at 2,128 healthcare facilities throughout the month. Of these, 492 were found to be operated by individuals without the required medical qualifications and were immediately shut down.
The intensified campaign appears to be changing behaviour on the ground. Another 291 outlets either shifted their location, closed voluntarily or took steps to turn themselves into legitimate businesses. Meanwhile, 1,123 centres where qualified doctors were present at the time of the raid have been placed under watch to ensure continued compliance.
Lahore saw the most activity, with enforcement teams conducting 507 visits and sealing
139 illegal centres – the highest in any single district. Rawalpindi followed with 150 inspections and 24 closures, while Rahim Yar Khan recorded 132 visits and 31 sealings. Faisalabad had 127 visits and 26 closures, Gujranwala 99 visits and 32 closures, and Sargodha 92 visits.
Double-digit sealing actions were also reported in Sheikhupura, Kasur, Sialkot, Bahawalpur,
Vehari, Bahawalnagar, Mandi Bahauddin, Pakpattan, Narowal and Okara, showing that the
drive reached both cities and far-flung rural areas.
The spokesperson highlighted the long-term impact of the decade-old campaign. Since the
PHC began its work, field teams have inspected close to 248,000 treatment centres province-wide, resulting in the permanent closure of more than 64,000 illegal facilities. Over 30,000 unqualified practitioners have also abandoned their practices rather than face action.
Authorities say the crackdown will continue without let-up to protect patients from dangerous and unregulated treatment.