KARACHI: The Sindh Health Care Commission (SHCC) has taken action against several illegal drug addiction treatment and rehabilitation centres operating in Karachi, sealing multiple facilities and issuing warnings over serious violations of healthcare standards.
According to details, SHCC teams conducted inspections in District South and Malir after the expiry of a 15-day notice period given to such facilities to ensure registration and compliance with minimum service delivery standards. During the visits, four centres were partially sealed for failing to meet the required criteria.
The inspected facilities included Indus Psychiatric Clinic, Babar Psychiatric Hospital, Qaidabad Psychiatric Hospital, and Parvarish Rehabilitation Center (PRC). Officials found that these centres were operating without qualified psychiatrists and trained medical staff, including doctors, nurses, and support personnel. Patients were reportedly being kept in inadequate conditions and often managed by untrained attendants.
A major concern highlighted during the inspections was the absence of preliminary screening for infectious diseases such as Hepatitis B and C, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS, posing serious risks to patients and public health. Additionally, poor infection prevention and control practices were observed at the facilities.
SHCC Chief Executive Officer Dr. Ahson Qavi Siddiqi said that these centres had been clearly instructed to complete their registration within the stipulated timeframe. He stated that multiple complaints regarding lapses in quality healthcare services had been received, which could not be ignored. He added that while some centres complied with the directives, the majority failed to meet the required standards.
The Commission confirmed that four centres have been sealed and issued final warnings to ensure immediate compliance. Dr. Siddiqi reiterated that no rehabilitation centre is allowed to operate without the supervision of a qualified psychiatrist under SHCC regulations.
He further stated that inspection operations will continue across Sindh, warning that strict action will be taken against unregistered facilities. The public has been advised to verify SHCC registration before admitting patients and ensure that rehabilitation centres are operating under qualified medical supervision with proper hygienic conditions.
