Key public hospitals secure PHC licence

In a significant development for public health, the Punjab Healthcare Commission (PHC) has officially granted licences to three prominent government hospitals in Rawalpindi.

After years of non-compliance with health indicators, Benazir Bhutto General Hospital (BBH), Holy Family Hospital (HFH), and District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital have successfully met the criteria, marking an end to their struggles since 2012.

Previously, these hospitals faced fines of Rs120,000 each for failing to fulfil the PHC’s health indicators. The criteria included evaluating the doctor’s approach towards patients, the healthcare facility’s environment, availability of essential utilities, comfortable waiting areas, medication supply and laboratory facilities. The prolonged delays and patient complaints about treatment methods prompted the fines.

Finally, the three hospitals were issued formal licences after they completed the health indicators set by the PHC. These hospitals were operating without the PHC’s issued licence. On the other hand, the Rawalpindi Institute of Cardiology (RIC) has been issued a formal licence by the Commission.

As part of its broader initiative, the PHC has initiated a crackdown on unlicensed medical facilities, including quacks and private laboratories setting up clinics without proper permits. To further reinforce its stance, the Commission has suspended medical treatment using health cards at hospitals lacking licences, whether government or private.

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The PHC’s vigilance extends beyond hospitals, with a focus on quacks in streets and bazaars, particularly those linked to dangerous diseases. The Commission is actively addressing citizen complaints lodged on the web portals of the prime minister and the Punjab chief minister, indicating a commitment to public well-being.

Moreover, the PHC has begun imposing fines and sealing unregistered medical treatment centres that have not met health indicators.

Taking a stringent approach, legal actions, including imprisonment and fines, are being pursued against medical professionals found negligent in patient care or causing complications leading to deaths. Private laboratories are not exempt from scrutiny, as legal actions have been initiated against those failing to register with the PHC.

Field experts from the Commission conduct thorough inspections before granting registration to government and private hospitals, medical centres, laboratories, and clinics, imposing substantial fines for non-compliance with health indicators.

This comprehensive approach reflects the PHC’s dedication to ensuring the highest standards of healthcare for the citizens of Rawalpindi.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 3^rd, 2024.