LAHORE – An awareness seminar focusing on the Punjab Healthcare Commission’s (PHC) anti-quackery strategy was held at the King Edward Medical University.
Coordinator Mayo Hospital Hafiz Mian Muhammad Noman was the guest of honour. The seminar attracted a diverse audience, including senior faculty members, house officers, medical students, and administrative and clinical staff from the Mayo Hospital. Health professionals from other medical institutions were also present on the occasion.
While delivering his welcome address, vice-chancellor KEMU Prof Mehmood Ayyaz appreciated the PHC for its anti-quackery campaigns in the province. “We all must play our due role in eliminating the menace of quackery,” he said. For him, the event underscored the PHC’s unwavering dedication to eradicating quackery from Punjab.
Chief Executive Officer PHC Dr Muhammad Saqib Aziz highlighted the menacing issue of quackery, its harmful impact on public health, and the critical need for increased public awareness. He emphasised PHC’s pioneering role in combating quackery, detailing a robust strategy implemented since August 2013, which was shared with the policymakers.
“Our strategy is grounded in realities and has facilitated ongoing crackdowns on illegal medical practitioners, leading to the closure of over 55,600 illegal outlets,” Dr Aziz explained.
The PHC’s collaborative efforts with district governments to shut down quack-operated businesses were highlighted as a key component of the strategy, alongside the call for stronger legislation, enhanced coordination, and widespread public awareness campaigns.
Dr Aziz stressed the urgent need for the medical community to champion this cause and participate actively in the battle against quackery, which poses significant threats to community health and imposes substantial economic costs on society and the government.
“The adverse consequences of quackery are far-reaching, contributing to increased morbidity and mortality, financial strain, and issues like drug resistance,” he noted. “The Commission is steadfast in its mission to foster safe and effective healthcare practices throughout the province. We must unite to protect the health of future generations,” he said, while adding that easy access and availability of qualified physicians would also cause a dent to quackery.
