PHC seals 692 quackery outlets across Punjab in major crackdown

The Punjab Healthcare Commission (PHC) has intensified its province-wide crackdown against quackery, sealing 692 illegal medical outlets during a four-week anti-quackery campaign, 24NewsHD TV reported on Sunday. 

According to a PHC spokesperson, the enforcement teams conducted 3,014 raids across all districts of Punjab, targeting individuals illegally providing medical treatment without authorization.

Lahore topped the list with 1,105 raids, resulting in the sealing of 303 quackery centres.

In other districts, Sargodha witnessed 208 raids, during which 33 illegal outlets were shut down, while 204 raids in Multan led to the closure of 29 centres.

In Faisalabad, 34 out of 154 inspected facilities were sealed, whereas 17 illegal businesses were shut down in Khanewal following 119 raids.

The PHC spokesperson added that enforcement actions were also carried out in Bahawalnagar, Chiniot, Gujranwala, Jhang, Rawalpindi, Sheikhupura, Okara, and Nankana Sahib, where several unauthorised treatment centres were closed.

During inspections, 256 locations were found to have permanently abandoned quackery and converted into other lawful businesses. 

 Meanwhile, 1,793 healthcare facilities have been placed under continuous monitoring to ensure compliance with regulations.

The commission further disclosed that more than 251,000 healthcare facilities have been inspected across Punjab so far, leading to the permanent sealing of approximately 64,700 quackery outlets.

Additionally, over 30,200 quacks have reportedly abandoned their illegal practices as a result of sustained enforcement.

The Punjab Healthcare Commission reaffirmed its commitment to protecting public health and warned that strict action would continue against those endangering lives through illegal medical practices.

Reporter: Zahid Chaudhary