The Punjab Healthcare Commission (PHC) has sealed 832 illegal treatment centres operating across 29 districts of Punjab during a five-week enforcement campaign aimed at eliminating unqualified medical practitioners from the healthcare system.
According to a PHC spokesperson on Sunday, teams from the Commission’s Anti-Quackery Department conducted field inspections at 2,954 medical centres from early September through mid-October. The raids uncovered widespread illegal medical practices, leading to the sealing of 832 centres where unqualified individuals were providing treatment.
In a major development reflecting the campaign’s impact, a large number of previously illegal facilities have transitioned to legitimate operations. Qualified doctors have taken charge of several such centres, demonstrating PHC’s strategy of not only closing illegal outlets but also facilitating lawful healthcare delivery.
The spokesperson further stated that 354 backstreet treatment centres either relocated, voluntarily shut down, or converted their businesses into other legal commercial activities in response to regulatory pressure. Meanwhile, surveillance and monitoring have been initiated for 1,590 centres where qualified physicians were found at the time of inspection, ensuring that professional healthcare providers remain available during all operating hours.
The enforcement drive spanned 29 districts, with Lahore recording the highest number of closures – 223 illegal treatment centres sealed. Other major enforcement actions included 64 closures each in Kasur and Sargodha, 45 in Multan, 39 in Nankana Sahib, 33 in Sheikhupura, and 31 in Khanewal. The crackdown also extended to rural and peri-urban areas.
Since the launch of its anti-quackery campaign nearly a decade ago, the Punjab Healthcare Commission has sustained its efforts against illegal medical practices through consistent enforcement, surveillance, and awareness initiatives. To date, PHC field teams have inspected around 246,000 treatment centres across the province, resulting in the permanent closure of more than 63,500 illegal outlets.
Additionally, over 29,350 unqualified practitioners have voluntarily abandoned their unlawful practices, recognizing the Commission’s strict regulatory measures and the inevitable consequences of non-compliance.
The PHC reiterated its commitment to ensuring safe, ethical, and quality healthcare across Punjab by maintaining rigorous oversight and continuing its zero-tolerance policy against quackery.