Tanveer Hussain
Budgam, Oct 15, KNT: In a move to uphold healthcare standards, the Health Department Budgam on Wednesday sealed three unregistered diagnostic laboratories in Beerwah during a surprise inspection drive against illegal medical establishments.
The operation was conducted by a special PC & PNDT Act enforcement team from the office of the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Budgam, led by District Health Officer (DHO) Dr. Lahoot Hassan, in coordination with the Block Medical Officer (BMO) Beerwah and the district health enforcement staff.
The inspection followed credible complaints from locals about several unauthorized and substandard laboratories operating in Beerwah without proper registration or qualified technical staff. During the inspection, the team found multiple violations of the Clinical Establishments Act and Biomedical Waste Management Rules, leading to the immediate sealing of three such labs.
Officials told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that the sealed laboratories were carrying out various diagnostic tests without valid authorization, maintaining poor hygiene, and lacking proper waste disposal systems, thereby posing serious health risks to patients.
“No one will be allowed to play with public health,” an official from the health department said. “We are committed to ensuring that only qualified and licensed facilities operate in the district. The drive against unregistered diagnostic centers will continue until full compliance is achieved.”
BMO Beerwah emphasized that such illegal establishments not only exploit patients but also undermine the reputation of registered medical facilities. He urged the public to visit only authorized diagnostic centers and to report any suspicious or unregistered labs to the authorities immediately.
The Health Department Budgam has warned that legal proceedings, including prosecution under the PC & PNDT Act and other relevant laws, will be initiated against individuals or institutions found guilty of operating without valid registration. [KNT]
