The Punjab Healthcare Commission (PHC) on Friday has sealed another five drug addiction treatment and rehabilitation centres after evacuating 64 inmates. According to details, the PHC teams visited centres in different cities. At Rahat Clinic, Jhelum, 18 people had been kept for months and one man was there for about one-and-a-half year. Likewise in Nai Zindagi Hospital, Sahiwal 22 individuals, Aman Chakwal 11, while in two branches of AM Homoeopathic Drug Rehab Centre in Okara and Sahiwal, nine and four persons were detained respectively. These men – kept in violation of the Pakistan Mental Health Act– were evacuated, examined and sent to their homes under the supervision of their relatives. The centres were closed for different violations, inadequate human resource and lack of facilities. It is pertinent to mention that during the present campaign, the PHC teams had visited 72 addiction treatment and rehabilitation centres, sealed 31 and served show-cause notices on 27 owners. Out of these, eight centres had closed down for other businesses, like working and student hostels. Published in Daily Times, June 30th 2018.