Daily Times

LAHORE: The Punjab Healthcare Commission on Saturday sealed five maternity homes, served notices on 24 and fined another two.

According to details, during the last two days, various teams of the PHC carried out inspections of 90 centres in different parts of the city. Out of these, five maternity centers were sealed as they were not registered with the commission. They also did not employ qualified staff.

These clinics are: Maryam Maternity Home Garhi Shahu, Al Khair Medical and Ultrasound Centre Gulberg, Rahat Medical and Gynae Centre, Ali Medical and Gynae Centre Thokar Niaz Baig, and Maryum Clinic Temple Road. However, 25 registered centres were allowed to function with the direction that they should get licensed from the PHC. The teams also checked the disposal system of the registered HCEs, and instructed these to follow special instructions for disposing off the wastage.

A spokesperson of the PHC said that roughly over 70 per cent of the complaints investigated by the commission pertained to obstetrics and gynecology, and subsequent investigations revealed unqualified medical practitioners and quacks were running these centres. “Prior to the establishment of the commission, maternity centres remained completely unregulated. The commission is taking stringent action against all illegal practitioners, and is inspecting all maternity centres. Establishments run by quacks and illegal medical practitioners are being sealed,” he said, while adding that qualified and registered practitioners were being advised to improve their operational procedures and practices, specifically with regard to waste management in order to ensure patient safety and health.

Protest: A man climbed up an electricity pole near Babu Sabu Chowk to protest against police on Saturday. The man identified as Ashraf, an electrician by profession, climbed the electric pole situated near Babu Sabu, Sherakot. Upon being informed, police and rescue teams reached the spot.

The incident caused massive traffic jam near Babu Sabu Chowk and its adjourning areas. Ashraf said that police had not listened to his grievances. Later, he agreed to come down after police assured him that his complaint would be registered.

Published in Daily Times, December 7^th 2017.