Hospital flouted SHCC orders, illegally treated critical patients, assaulted govt officials
KARACHI:
The Sindh Health Care Commission (SHCC) has permanently sealed Shah Medical Centre in North Nazimabad after repeated violations, including the illegal operation of the hospital, endangering critically ill patients, and attacking government officials enforcing prior closure orders.
The move comes two days after authorities partially closed the hospital following the death of a new-born girl and subsequent complaints from her family. An SHCC expert panel had found the hospital guilty of negligence and ordered the closure of neonatal, ICU, and IPD wards due to lack of qualified medical and paramedical staff.
Despite clear instructions, the hospital administration, led by owner Bilal Afzal — who holds a Bachelor of Eastern Medicine but was illegally practicing as an allopathic doctor — resumed operations and admitted critically ill patients without certified specialists. During the earlier partial closure, Afzal reportedly brought in armed individuals and a lawyer who harassed SHCC officials and police personnel, blocked access, and detained staff and authorities temporarily. One person was arrested during the altercation.
The hospital’s history of malpractice is well documented. Afzal had previously made false allegations against the SHCC and has repeatedly operated beyond his legal authority. On 26 March 2025, the parents of the deceased new-born had filed a complaint with SHCC after their child, admitted for respiratory distress and high fever, died under treatment at the hospital.
The SHCC emphasised that all actions were legally backed, conducted with proper documentation, and witnessed by local and international media representatives. The Commission gave the hospital 24 hours to transfer existing patients safely to other facilities before the permanent closure. Authorities ensured all patients in ICU and other critical wards were safely relocated.
SHCC officials reiterated that public health and patient safety are their top priority. They warned other unauthorised health centres operating in the area to cease operations immediately or face criminal prosecution. The Commission also confirmed that legal action would be taken against Afzal and other individuals involved in illegal medical practices, obstructing government officials, and endangering patients’ lives.
