KARACHI: The Sindh Healthcare Commission (SHCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to regulating the province’s healthcare system by launching a decisive crackdown on unregistered healthcare establishments and quack practitioners.
The decision was taken during the 89th meeting of the SHCC Board of Commissioners (BoC), chaired by Dr. Khalid Hussain Shaikh, who underscored that registration with SHCC is a legal mandate, not a choice. “SHCC has no option but to proceed under the law against healthcare providers who continue to operate without registration or a license,” he said.
Dr. Mirza Ali Azhar, Convener of the Registration and Licensing Committee, informed the board that all healthcare providers—including hospitals, general practitioners, Tib and Homeopathic clinics, and diagnostic laboratories—have been repeatedly directed to comply with registration and licensing requirements. Despite public notices and outreach efforts, many facilities remain non-compliant, the board was told.
The BoC resolved to invoke relevant provisions of the SHCC Act against such establishments, including issuing notices, imposing penalties, and, where necessary, sealing premises as a last resort.
In a major move against unqualified practitioners, the BoC also approved penalties totaling PKR 15 million against 224 cases of quackery, presented by Dr. A.G. Shoro, Convener of the Anti-Quackery Committee.
Additionally, the BoC reviewed eight complaints against various hospitals and practitioners, presented by Dr. Sameer Qureshi, Convener of the Complaint Committee. After deliberation, the board imposed penalties amounting to PKR 1 million.
To enforce compliance, the BoC decided that any healthcare provider who fails to pay the imposed fines will have their cases referred to the respective Deputy Commissioners for recovery, as per provisions of the SHCC Act.
Earlier, Dr. Khalid Shaikh inaugurated the newly renovated Board Room at the SHCC Head Office. The meeting was attended by Board Members including Dr. G.R. Shah, Prof. Dr. Shoaib Gangat, Dr. Sajjad Siddiq, Dr. Ahson Siddiqi (CEO, SHCC), and SHCC Directors.
