Introduction to Enforcemnt
The Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory Authority is enforcing the ban on quackery through two primary measures: first, by eliminating unqualified practitioners via the registration and licensing of duly qualified professionals; and second, by implementing a fair and responsive Complaints Management System to hold unregistered practitioners and unlawful establishments accountable.
To support this effort, the Authority has formulated a comprehensive Anti-Quackery Strategy. This strategy outlines a clear roadmap for eradicating quackery, including a detailed action plan with well-defined roles and responsibilities for all relevant stakeholders.
Enforcement Campaign
The Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory Authority has launched an enforcement campaign to systematically identify and act against unqualified practitioners who pose a threat to the health and safety of vulnerable individuals. To reinforce this initiative, advertisements have been placed in prominent newspapers, urging healthcare professionals and the public to report quacks who deceive patients and contribute to the spread of harmful diseases.
Government Collaboration
In accordance with the IHRA Act, 2018, the Authority has empowered district administrations across ICT to seal the premises of quacks. To facilitate effective legal action against such practitioners, the IHRA has also organized orientation workshops for district administration officers.
Legal Framework for Enforcement under the IHRA Act, 2018
Whereas it is necessary to set up the Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory Authority to improve healthcare services, eliminate quackery, and handle related issues;
Introductory
Under the IHRA Act, a quack is defined as anyone delivering healthcare services without registration with the Pakistan Medical & Dental Council, National Council for Tibb, National Council for Homeopathy, or Pakistan Nursing Council.
Section 2 (xxix)
Enforcement Management Strategy
Through its comprehensive Enforcement Strategy, the IHRA actively identifies and takes action against quacks who threaten public health and safety. The strategy includes the following measures:
- Mapping of Quackery Outlets in ICT
- Ensuring Only Qualified Individuals Through Healthcare Provider Registration
- Establishment of a Regulatory Enforcement Cell
- Awareness and Advocacy via Behaviour Change Communication
- Recommend Options to Meet Unfulfilled Healthcare Needs of Patients
Public Health Hazards
Estimates indicate that countless quacks are practicing illegally, offering healthcare services to patients attracted by their low costs. Such patients risk exposure to various health hazards, which can often lead to serious consequences.
Some of the health risks linked to quackery include:
Obesity, Diabetes, and Osteoporosis:
Indiscriminate use of steroids can cause obesity, diabetes and osteoporosis (fragile bones prone to frequent fractures and pains).
Drug Resistant strains of Infections:
Injudicious and rampant use of antibiotics has often led to the development of drug resistant strains of infections in patients.
Hepatitis and HIV Aids:
Unsafe injections and unsterilized instruments for dental procedures contribute to the spreading of lethal infections like HIV Aids and Hepatitis.
Multi Drug Resistant (MDR) Tuberculosis:
Indiscriminate use and inadequate dosage of anti TB drugs leads to the spread of multi drug resistant tuberculosis in the communities.
Mal-union, Gangrene, Deformity and Disability:
Maltreatment of fractures by unqualified and untrained practitioners can lead to permanent deformity or disability due to mal-union of bones and even gangrene.
Addiction to Drugs:
Reckless use of controlled drugs leads to lifelong addiction among patients.
Organ damage, Hemorrhage, Tetanus:
Reckless surgical procedures by quacks have fatal consequences for their patients such as hemorrhage, organ damage and tetanus etc. Such quacks also include licenced practitioners who exceed the mandate of their licence, e.g. LHVs performing Cesarean Sections etc.
Multi-Organ Failure:
Medicating patients with heavy metals and substandard kushtas by the quacks is a common cause of multiple organ failure.
Enforcement Actions Against Quacks
Pakistan Red Crescent Society, Disaster Management & Logistic Center, 2nd and 3rd Floor, H-8/2, Islamabad
Mon – Fri: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm