TFD Report
KARACHI: Acting Chief Justice of the Sindh High Court, Justice Zafar Ahmed Rajput, has cautioned that Pakistan’s health sector must not fall prey to commercialization and corruption, stressing that years of malpractice in medicine present an alarming situation.
Speaking as the chief guest at the 5th Health Care Summit 2025 and Health Care Awards Ceremony, organized by the Consumers Association of Pakistan (CAP) at a local hotel, Justice Rajput urged the government to balance political commitments with equal attention to vital sectors such as health, justice, and education.
He strongly criticized unethical practices in the medical field, highlighting the growing trend of pharmaceutical companies rewarding doctors with foreign trips and expensive gifts for prescribing their medicines. “This is outright bribery and must be stopped,” he remarked, adding that Pakistan currently has more registered medicines than those listed by the World Health Organization (WHO), and called for stricter controls on drug registrations.
Justice Rajput further emphasized that Article 9 of the Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to life, while Article 38 obligates the government to provide healthcare. He underlined that the progress of nations is rooted in healthy societies, with special focus needed on women’s health and development.
The event, hosted by CAP Chairman Kaukab Iqbal, was attended by prominent dignitaries including PPP MNA & Honorary Consul General Dr. Mirza Ikhtiar Baig, Honorary Consul General of Mozambique Khalid Tawab, DG Ministry of Foreign Affairs Karachi Irfan Soomro, CEO Indus Hospital Dr. Abdul Bari Khan, and several senior doctors, advocates, and business leaders.
During the ceremony, a cake-cutting was held and awards were distributed among journalists and distinguished guests, including Justice Rajput.
Kaukab Iqbal criticized the Health Care Commission for its failure to act against quacks, exploitative hospitals, and unjustified price hikes by pharmaceutical companies. He stressed that commission-based practices must end and vowed to take legal measures to safeguard consumer rights.
Dr. Ikhtiar Baig praised Kaukab Iqbal’s efforts, noting that Sindh’s first consumer protection law was introduced due to his advocacy, though its implementation remains slow. Khalid Tawab drew attention to the urgent need for clean drinking water, warning of the rapid spread of hepatitis and other waterborne diseases.
Dr. Abdul Bari Khan recounted the journey of Indus Hospital, which started with Rs. 100 million and 150 beds 18 years ago, and has now expanded to 13 branches nationwide with a Rs. 61 billion budget, offering free quality healthcare.
Other speakers, including Dr. Sheikh Shakeel, Advocate Javed Chhatari, and Irfan Soomro, raised concerns over malaria outbreaks, accountability of CSR funds, and broader healthcare challenges. Several resolutions were also passed, and shields were presented to Justice Rajput, Kaukab Iqbal, and other participants.
The ceremony also saw the attendance of the Consul General of Indonesia, underscoring the international recognition of CAP’s efforts.
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