PHC inspections surge fivefold, surpass 18,500 visits; near completion of allopathic HCE coverage

LAHORE, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 28th Apr, 2026) The Punjab Healthcare Commission (PHC) is nearing completion of inspections of all allopathic healthcare establishments (HCEs) across the province, following a fivefold increase in inspection activity to over 18,500 visits during the current fiscal year.

The development was shared during a review meeting chaired by the Chairperson of the PHC board of Commissioners, Major Azam Suleman Khan (retd), here on Tuesday. The meeting was attended by Board members Ms Perveen Agha, Prof Dr Mehmood Shoukat, Prof Dr Nauman Tarif, Mr Salman Ghani, and Prof Dr Saeed Ahmad. PHC Chief Executive Officer Dr Muhammad Saqib Aziz and senior officials also participated. The session reviewed the Board’s reform agenda and assessed the performance of inspection and anti-quackery operations.

Detailed briefings were presented by relevant directorates on inspection drives and enforcement measures against quackery. Participants were informed that inspections have increased fivefold during the current fiscal year, exceeding 18,500 visits and enabling the Commission to reach nearly all allopathic HCEs in line with its statutory mandate.

The Anti-Quackery Department (AQD) reported that the PHC has sealed approximately 69,500 illegal businesses operated by quacks, while more than 30,600 individuals have abandoned such practices due to sustained enforcement.

These outcomes are based on 247,876 raids conducted since 2015.

The Chairperson and Board members commended the Inspections Directorate and AQD for significantly expanding their outreach and maintaining an active presence in both urban and rural areas. They termed this achievement a major step toward strengthening regulatory oversight and ensuring access to safe, quality healthcare services across Punjab.

Addressing the anti-quackery campaign, the Chairperson directed the AQD to undertake more targeted operations against violators and instructed the PHC administration to further enhance the strength and capacity of enforcement teams.

Major Azam Suleman Khan (retd) reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to sustaining rigorous inspection and anti-quackery efforts. He stressed that continuous monitoring, strict action against violators, and full compliance with Minimum Service Delivery Standards (MSDS) are vital to safeguarding patients’ rights and ensuring their safety.