PHC seals 589 illegal treatment centres in four weeks

LAHORE, May 17 (APP): Punjab Healthcare Commission (PHC) sealed 589 illegal treatment centres across the

province during the last four weeks as part of its ongoing campaign against quackery and unlawful medical practice.

A spokesperson for the PHC said on Sunday, the Commission’s Anti-Quackery Department carried out 2,142 visits to suspected outlets during the period. As many as 1,240 premises were placed under surveillance, while 151 outlets were found closed, shifted to other locations or converted into different businesses.

The enforcement drive was conducted in line with the Commission’s mandate to protect patients from unsafe, unqualified and unregulated medical treatment.

An intensified operation was carried out in southern Punjab, particularly in Tehsil Taunsa of District Dera Ghazi Khan, where PHC teams conducted 1,450 visits, sealed 238 illegal treatment centres and placed 414 premises under surveillance.

Lahore recorded the second-highest number of actions, where 385 visits resulted in the sealing of 149 illegal outlets. In Sheikhupura, 47 centres were sealed after 154 visits, while 47 illegal outlets were shut down in Okara following 111 visits. Similarly, 27 illegal facilities were sealed in Kasur, 25 in Faisalabad and 24 in Rawalpindi.

The PHC urged citizens to seek treatment only from qualified healthcare professionals working at PHC-registered healthcare establishments and to report suspected quackery to the Commission.

The spokesperson added that anti-quackery campaign would continue in coordination with district administrations and relevant authorities to ensure safe healthcare delivery and protect public interest.

Overall, the Commission has so far sealed 70,081 illegal centres after conducting 249,349 visits across Punjab, while more than 30,663 quacks have either abandoned quackery or shut down their illegal outlets.