SHCC seals, warns rehabilitation centers operating in Karachi
KARACHI (21 Apr. 26)
The Sindh Health Care Commission (SHCC) has taken action against several illegal drug addiction treatment and rehabilitation centres operating in Karachi. Following the expiry of a 15-day notice period, SHCC teams conducted visits in district South and Malir, where four centres were partiality sealed and issued warnings.
Earlier, these centres had been publicly informed through public notices to register with SHCC within 15 days and ensure compliance with the Commission’s minimum service delivery standards. However, several facilities failed to meet the required criteria.
During the inspections, SHCC officials visited Indus Psychiatric Clinic, Babar Psychiatric Hospital, Qaidabad Psychiatric Hospital, and Parvarish Rehabilitation Center (PRC). These facilities were found to be operating without qualified psychiatrists and other essential trained staff (doctors, nursers, supporting human resources) with poor Infection prevention and control practices. Patients were being kept in inadequate conditions, often under the supervision of untrained attendants. Moreover, proper screening for infectious diseases such as Hepatitis B/C, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS was not being conducted.
Dr. Ahson Qavi Siddiqi, Chief Executive Officer of SHCC, stated that these centres had been clearly informed to complete their registration within the given timeframe. “We received a number of complaints regarding serious lapses in the provision of quality healthcare, which cannot be overlooked,” he said and further added that “while some centres responded positively, the majority failed to comply with the notice”.
According to SHCC, four centres have been sealed and issued final warnings to complete their registration. Dr. Siddiqi emphasized that, under SHCC regulations, no rehabilitation centre is allowed to provide services without the supervision of a qualified psychiatrist. Dr. Siddiqi stressed that tthese inspections will continue across Sindh, and centres that are not registered are directed to register with the SHCC at the earliest. Otherwise, further action will be taken against them in the coming days.
He also advised the general public that before admitting their loved ones to verify that any drug rehabilitation facility has valid SHCC registration certificate and are being operated under supervision of qualified Psychiatrist and other necessary staff with adequate clean hygienic environment.
