PMA Lahore criticizes heavy fines on qualified doctors and demands review of policy

Dr Malik said the association will continue to raise its voice for doctors and support safe and quality healthcare

LAHORE: The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) Lahore has criticized the Punjab Healthcare Commission (PHC) for imposing heavy fines on qualified MBBS doctors.

The association called these penalties unfair, too harsh, and harmful for the healthcare system. In a statement, PMA Lahore President Dr Shahid Shaukat Malik said fines of Rs 300,000 to Rs 400,000 are being given to doctors for small issues. He said these include missing washroom doors, lack of proper clinic signs, or incomplete record registers. He added that such problems should not lead to such large financial penalties.

Dr Malik said these strict actions discourage trained doctors and may reduce access to good healthcare for patients. He also said that illegal practitioners, often called quacks, continue to work freely in many areas of Punjab.

He claimed that even when action is taken, some unqualified people close one clinic and reopen another place to continue practice. He said the main focus of the PHC should be to stop quackery instead of putting pressure on qualified doctors.

The PMA president urged the commission to change its policy and first issue warnings for minor issues. He said doctors should be given time to fix small problems before facing fines.

He also called for stronger action against illegal clinics and demanded strict legal steps against people practicing medicine without proper qualifications. Dr Malik said the association will continue to raise its voice for doctors and support safe and quality healthcare for the public.