Healthcare commission fails to curb quackery
The Sindh Healthcare Commission (SHCC) appears to be faltering in its responsibilities as numerous fake doctors continue to operate clinics and private hospitals unchecked in the outskirts of Hyderabad.
Many such establishments operate without the requisite registration from the SHCC, while licensed private hospitals exploit citizens by charging arbitrary fees instead of government-approved charges. Unfortunately, the Health Department remains passive in addressing this pressing issue.
The Sindh Assembly ratified the Sindh Healthcare Commission Act in 2013, aimed at overseeing health facilities, their registration, classification, fee determination, inspection of private health establishments, and overall supervision.
The SHCC was established to enforce regulations on health facilities and ensure their compliance. Despite the official issuance of the SHCC Regulations in November 2017, practical implementation seems lacking.
Under the act and regulations, combating fraud by private health establishments falls within the SHCC's purview. Previously, the Health Department took action against quack doctors, with district health offices serving as accessible points for citizen complaints. However, since the SHCC assumed authority, direct action against doctors by health department officers has ceased. Instead, actions are taken in the presence of SHCC-designated representatives.
In the initial months post-establishment, significant crackdowns on fake doctors occurred, either directly by the SHCC or through appointed representatives. However, such actions waned over time, leading to a proliferation of fake clinics, particularly in Hyderabad's suburbs like Latifabad and Qasimabad, including areas like Hosari, Khatar, Seri, Tando Alam Mari, Tando Hyder, Tando Jam, and Hattri.
Many quack doctors have expanded their operations, even establishing hospitals specialising in maternity services, where unqualified individuals perform surgical procedures. These establishments often display boards featuring fake degrees. Unfortunately, patients suffer from inadequate treatment, and cases of mistreatment leading to deterioration or death continue to surface.
While the SHCC is mandated to register and supervise private hospitals, its inspection activities seem lacking. Numerous unregistered private hospitals operate in Hyderabad, with even registered ones failing to display approved fee charts as required by law. Patients seeking emergency treatment are often coerced into depositing exorbitant sums, leading to financial distress.
Moreover, adherence to regulations, such as displaying registration certificates issued by the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council, and regulating the sale of non-prescription medicines, remains overlooked by the SHCC.
In light of these issues, the apparent inaction of the SHCC raises concerns about its effectiveness in safeguarding public health and regulating the healthcare sector in Hyderabad.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 25th, 2024.