Karachi: In a major move to tighten regulatory oversight, the Sindh Healthcare Commission (SHCC) has decided to launch strict action against unregistered healthcare establishments across the province.
The decision was taken during the 89th meeting of the SHCC Board of Commissioners (BoC), chaired by Dr. Khalid Hussain Shaikh, where the commission also approved financial penalties of approximately Rs15 million against 224 identified quack outlets.
Dr. Shaikh stated that operating a healthcare facility without registration or a valid license is a legal violation and the SHCC is compelled to act under the law. “Registration with SHCC is not optional. It is a legal obligation to ensure that healthcare services are delivered within a regulated and safe framework,” he said.
Dr. Mirza Ali Azhar, Convener of the Registration and Licensing Committee, briefed the Board that despite public notices and outreach visits, many healthcare providers — including hospitals, general practitioners, Tib and Homeopathic clinics, and laboratories — have failed to register with SHCC or apply for licenses.
The board resolved that legal notices will now be issued under the SHCC Act, and those who fail to comply will face penalties and, if needed, sealing of their facilities.
In a significant development, Dr. AG Shoro, Convener of the Anti-Quackery Committee, presented 224 cases of unqualified practitioners operating across Sindh. After reviewing the cases, the Board approved penalties totaling nearly Rs15 million against the quackery outlets.
Additionally, Dr. Sameer Qureshi, Convener of the Complaint Committee, submitted eight cases of malpractice and negligence involving hospitals and individual practitioners. The BoC approved financial penalties totaling approximately Rs1 million in these complaint cases.
The board also decided that failure to pay these penalties will result in the cases being forwarded to the respective Deputy Commissioners for recovery, as per provisions of the SHCC Act.
Prior to the start of the session, Dr. Khalid Shaikh inaugurated the newly renovated boardroom at the SHCC Head Office. The meeting was attended by Board Members Dr. GR Shah, Prof. Dr. Shoaib Gangat, Dr. Sajjad Siddiq, Dr. Ahson Siddiqi (CEO, SHCC), and relevant Directors of the Commission.
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