The Punjab Healthcare Commission (PHC) carried out 1,856 regulatory inspections of healthcare establishments (HCEs) across Punjab during September to assess compliance with minimum service delivery standards (MSDS) and strengthen patient safety and healthcare quality.
The inspections covered 717 maternity homes, 422 collection centres, 256 general practitioner clinics and dispensaries, 143 aesthetic clinics, 109 hospitals, 82 dental clinics, 51 polyclinics, 37 single-speciality clinics, 33 diagnostic centres and six addiction-treatment facilities.
The PHC also conducted 89 targeted inspections focusing on intensive care units and fire-safety measures.
Following the inspections, the commission served notices on 104 healthcare establishments, suspended specific services at 36 facilities and sealed four centres over serious regulatory violations.
The sealed facilities were New City Medical Complex in Narowal, Rahila Research and Reference Lab Collection Centre in Sheikhupura, Akmal Dental Clinic in Khanewal and Ahmed Clinic in Rajanpur.
According to the PHC, major violations included operating beyond the scope of registration, absence of qualified and registered doctors or consultants, inadequate medical and nursing coverage, and poor maintenance of patient records.
Inspectors also identified shortcomings in healthcare-waste disposal, infection prevention and control, sterilisation and disinfection, as well as the use or presence of expired medicines, reagents and disposable supplies.
Other violations involved missing mandatory licences and approvals, including those required from the Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA) and Punjab Blood Transfusion Authority (PBTA), along with inadequate fire-safety systems and emergency preparedness.
The PHC said its regulatory strategy focuses on guidance and helping healthcare providers address deficiencies. However, it added that suspension or sealing becomes necessary in cases involving serious threats to patient safety, repeated violations or unsafe medical practices.
The commission urged citizens to obtain treatment only from qualified healthcare professionals and facilities registered and licensed by the PHC. It also advised patients and their families to pay attention to record-keeping, infection-control practices, emergency preparedness and other basic safety standards.
