KARACHI: The Sindh Health Care Commission (SHCC) has issued a formal warning to all drug addiction treatment and rehabilitation centers operating across the province, directing them to comply with regulatory requirements or face strict legal action.
The Commission, established under the Sindh Health Care Commission Act, 2013 and governed by the Regulations, 2017, reiterated that it is fully empowered to regulate healthcare services and take action against non-compliant facilities.
According to an official notice, all drug rehabilitation service providers are required to register their facilities under Section 13 of the SHCC Act, 2013. In addition, centers must clearly define their scope of services, ensure the availability of qualified and competent staff, and submit all required documentation to the Commission within 15 days.
Chief Executive Officer SHCC, Dr. Ahson Qavi Siddiqi, said that a significant number of drug rehabilitation centers are currently operating without proper registration. He warned that some facilities were allegedly forcing or pressuring patients into unnecessary admissions while charging excessive fees from vulnerable families.
“We have received reports that some centers do not allow admitted patients to meet their relatives freely,” he added.
Dr. Siddiqi also urged parents to remain vigilant and closely monitor their children in schools, colleges, and universities, highlighting concerns over the rising trend of drug use among youth, which can lead to serious addiction if not addressed in time.
The SHCC cautioned that failure to comply within the stipulated timeframe would result in enforcement actions, including sealing of facilities, imposition of fines, and registration of FIRs under relevant laws.
The Commission further emphasized that providing rehabilitation services through unqualified personnel is illegal and punishable under the Act and its regulations.
The general public has also been advised to report any illegal or unregistered drug rehabilitation centers to the SHCC to help ensure safe, transparent, and quality healthcare services across Sindh.
