PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Healthcare Commission has imposed a complete ban on all types of private practice within 500 meters of government hospitals across the province, implementing the orders of the Peshawar High Court.
A formal notification has been issued in this regard, stating that medical teaching institutions will be exempted from the ban, while private practice around all other government hospitals has been declared illegal with immediate effect.
According to the notification, the decision has been taken in light of the Peshawar High Court’s ruling in Writ Petition No. 2022-405L, in which the court declared such practices around government hospitals as a source of patient exploitation and conflict of interest. The court observed that the private practice of government doctors deprives the public of access to government healthcare facilities, forcing patients to seek treatment at private clinics.
The Healthcare Commission has directed all district health officers, medical superintendents and the relevant administrative authorities to ensure strict implementation of the ban.
The notification further warned that in case of violation, legal action will be taken, including fines and suspension of registration.
