KARACHI: Behind the doors of several drug rehabilitation centres in Karachi, inspectors have uncovered a disturbing reality that raises urgent public health concerns—patients admitted without basic medical screening, unqualified staff handling care, and infection control measures that appear to be missing entirely.
The Sindh Health Care Commission (SHCC) has now launched a decisive crackdown, sealing multiple illegal facilities and issuing final warnings in what officials describe as an ongoing effort to enforce minimum healthcare standards across Sindh.
SHCC action after expiry of compliance deadline
According to SHCC, inspection teams carried out visits in District South and Malir after the expiry of a 15-day registration notice period previously issued to rehabilitation centres.
During these inspections, four centres were partially sealed and others were issued formal warnings for failing to comply with regulatory requirements.
The facilities inspected included:
- Indus Psychiatric Clinic
- Babar Psychiatric Hospital
- Qaidabad Psychiatric Hospital
- Parvarish Rehabilitation Center (PRC)
Officials confirmed that several of these centres were operating outside approved healthcare standards.
Missing psychiatrists, untrained staff, and poor hygiene systems
SHCC spokespersons revealed that many centres lacked qualified psychiatrists, trained doctors, nursing staff, and support personnel, with patients often managed by untrained attendants.
More concerning were findings related to infection prevention and control, which were described as “poor or non-existent” in multiple facilities.
Patients were reportedly kept in inadequate conditions, raising serious questions about dignity, safety, and quality of care in addiction treatment services.
No screening for infectious diseases
One of the most alarming findings was that the majority of centres were admitting patients without proper screening for infectious diseases, including:
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- Tuberculosis (TB)
- HIV/AIDS
Health officials warn that this gap not only endangers patients inside the facilities but also poses a broader public health risk.
“Final warning” issued by SHCC leadership
SHCC Chief Executive Officer Dr. Ahson Qavi Siddiqi stated that all centres had already been instructed to complete registration within the given timeframe.
He noted that while some facilities attempted compliance, many failed to meet the required standards.
“We received multiple complaints regarding serious lapses in healthcare delivery which cannot be ignored,” Dr. Siddiqi said.
He further emphasized that no rehabilitation centre is allowed to operate without a qualified psychiatrist, as per SHCC regulations.
Public safety advisory issued
The Commission has urged families to exercise extreme caution before admitting patients to any rehabilitation facility.
SHCC advises the public to verify:
- Valid SHCC registration
- Presence of qualified psychiatrists
- Trained medical and nursing staff
- Proper hygiene and infection control systems
Officials stressed that public awareness is critical to preventing further harm.
Crackdown to continue across Sindh
SHCC confirmed that enforcement operations will continue across the province, and unregistered centres will face strict legal action in the coming days.
Authorities say the ongoing inspections are part of a wider effort to regulate addiction treatment services and ensure safe, ethical care for vulnerable patients.
A system under scrutiny
While the immediate action has shut down several unsafe facilities, the broader issue remains—how many such centres are still operating without oversight?
For now, SHCC’s message is clear: compliance is not optional, and patient safety cannot be compromised.
Stay informed, stay alert
CLICK HERE TO JOIN Medical News Pakistan on WhatsApp for real-time health alerts, expert insights, and breakthrough medical discoveries.