SHCC approves Rs15 million penalty against 224 quacks in Karachi crackdown
KARACHI: The Sindh Healthcare Commission (SHCC) has approved a penalty of Rs15 million against 224 unlicensed medical practitioners—commonly referred to as quacks—in Karachi, as part of a widening crackdown on illegal and unregistered healthcare facilities across the city.
The decision was taken during the 89th meeting of the SHCC Board of Commissioners, chaired by Dr Khalid Hussain Shaikh. The board reviewed serious violations of the SHCC Act and emphasized the need for strict action to protect patients' rights and uphold healthcare standards.
Under the SHCC Act, all healthcare establishments—including hospitals, clinics, laboratories, and practitioners of all systems of medicine such as allopathy, tibb, and homeopathy—are legally required to register with SHCC and obtain proper licensing. Despite multiple notices and awareness drives, a significant number of establishments have continued operations without fulfilling the required legal formalities.
The Board resolved to issue final notices under the SHCC Act, warning of immediate penalties and sealing of premises in case of continued non-compliance. According to SHCC, legal action against unlicensed healthcare service providers is aimed at curbing quackery and promoting safe, ethical, and regulated medical practice in Sindh.
Dr A.G. Shoro, convenor of the Anti-Quackery Committee, presented 224 active cases of quackery, and the board approved Rs15 million in penalties against those involved. In addition, Dr Sameer Qureshi, who oversees complaint management, shared that eight verified complaints against hospitals and individual practitioners were resolved in the recent quarter, resulting in Rs1 million in fines.
The board also approved taking legal steps in cases where penalties are not paid within the prescribed time. In such instances, SHCC will forward cases to respective Deputy Commissioners for recovery, as per the law.
Chairman Dr Khalid Hussain Shaikh highlighted the SHCC’s commitment to patient safety, healthcare quality, and public accountability. He said the Commission will continue to identify and act against quacks, thereby improving public trust in the healthcare system. He further stated that registration and licensing with SHCC are not optional but a mandatory legal requirement to deliver healthcare services in Sindh.
The board meeting also marked the formal opening of SHCC’s newly renovated boardroom. In attendance were senior board members including Dr G.R. Shah, Prof. Dr Shoaib Gangat, Dr Sajjad Siddiq, Dr Ahson Siddiqi (CEO SHCC), and key directors of the regulatory, anti-quackery, complaints, and legal departments.
This crackdown demonstrates SHCC's seriousness in ensuring that only qualified, certified, and registered practitioners operate in the province, providing safe and ethical care to citizens.
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