Quacks, illegal medical stores proliferate

Unqualified practitioners accused of spreading deadly diseases across Pindi

RAWALPINDI:

Alleged negligence and inaction by the health department have led to a dangerous rise in quack clinics and illegal medical stores, where life-threatening diseases are reportedly being spread under the guise of treatment.

According to a report by this correspondent, numerous locations across Rawalpindi city and cantonment areas - including Fawara Chowk, General Bus Stand Pirwadhai, Pori Pul, Railway Road, Saddar Bazaar, Tench Bhatta, and the last bus stop - have become hubs for unqualified practitioners operating under titles such as eye specialists, dental surgeons, skin specialists, and experts in liver, kidney, and bone diseases.

These quacks are reportedly running clinics not only in urban centres but also in rural areas without any medical degrees.

Patients are being administered medicines, injections, and drips without proper diagnosis, often resulting in complications and additional serious illnesses. In some cases, minor surgical procedures are also allegedly being performed.

In addition, several medical stores across the city are operating without qualified pharmacists, with untrained staff dispensing medicines. Sensitive drugs are being sold without prescriptions, posing serious risks to public health. These practices constitute open violations of the Punjab Healthcare Commission Act 2010 and the Drug Act 1976, under which unregistered clinics and the sale of unverified medicines are punishable offences.

Despite these laws, enforcement remains weak, allowing such illegal practices to continue.

Citizens have repeatedly demanded large-scale crackdowns, sealing of quack clinics, strict action against illegal pharmacies, and cancellation of licenses. However, the health department's "zero tolerance" policy remains largely confined to announcements.

Public circles have also called for regular inspections and mandatory presence of licensed professionals, but these demands have largely been ignored. Health experts warn that quacks treating eye conditions often damage eyesight, while unqualified dental practitioners contribute to the spread of hepatitis C.

Similarly, those claiming to treat stomach, liver, and kidney diseases may expose patients to cancer and infections, while bone specialists can leave patients permanently disabled and skin treatments often result in severe infections.

When contacted, District Health Authority Chief Executive Dr Ehsan Ghani termed the situation alarming, attributing the lack of effective action to staff shortages.

He said that actions are being taken against unregistered clinics in addition to the 4,000 registered ones across the district, and efforts are being expanded in all seven tehsils.

He added that no medical store can operate without registration and selling medicines without a doctor's prescription is a crime. However, he noted that self-medication is widespread among the public. He emphasised the need for public awareness and expansion of field inspection networks, stating that work in this regard is ongoing.