K-P health authorities shut down medical lab over irregularities in GCC worker tests

Health authorities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) sealed a medical laboratory in Peshawar on Friday following a surprise inspection of facilities approved by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) for conducting medical tests required by Pakistani workers seeking employment in Gulf countries.

The GCC countries play a vital role in supporting Pakistan’s economy by providing jobs to a large number of Pakistani workers, who send billions of dollars in remittances back home annually. As part of the recruitment process, these workers must undergo medical examinations at GCC-authorised labs.

During the recent inspections, K-P health officials identified 'discrepancies' in the medical tests conducted at the Medical Diagnostic Centre in Peshawar. The findings led to the immediate closure of the facility.

"The inspection team thoroughly reviewed the laboratory's facilities, verified records, and assessed staff qualifications," as reported by APP, adding, "Irregularities in the lab results were uncovered, prompting the decision to seal the centre."

Following the discovery, a corruption case has been referred to the provincial health care commission for further investigation and legal proceedings, APP added.

Peshawar and its surrounding regions are key departure points for Pakistani labourers, including drivers and construction workers, who seek employment opportunities in the GCC.