Lack of Regulation Allows Harmful Herbal Clinics to Spread in South Punjab
M Atif Ismail
Multan: Across South Punjab, a worrying trend is taking root — unqualified herbal quacks are proliferating in villages and small towns, posing a serious threat to public health. These self-styled healers, lacking any recognized medical qualifications or formal training, are freely practicing and misleading vulnerable patients, often with dangerous consequences.
From Rajanpur to Layyah, and Bahawalnagar to Lodhran, herbal clinics have mushroomed, operating under flashy and deceptive names. These so-called herbal doctors claim to cure everything from infertility and obesity to chronic pain and kidney disorders. However, their treatments often involve unregulated substances that carry significant health risks.
Dr. Waqas Malik (MBBS), a medical professional from Multan, warns, “These herbal quacks prey on the fears of young people, particularly concerning issues of masculinity and weakness. They prescribe concoctions that frequently contain steroids and heavy metals, which can cause permanent damage to the kidneys and liver.”
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Adding to the gravity of the situation is the aggressive marketing of these products on social media platforms. Videos featuring these quacks dressed in white coats, using medical jargon and fabricated testimonials, flood social media, creating a false sense of legitimacy. “Many patients, especially those from rural or undereducated backgrounds, fall victim to these schemes,” said Sadia, a healthcare activist based in Multan.
The consequences are often dire. Patients sometimes abandon prescribed treatments for serious conditions such as diabetes or hepatitis, opting instead for these herbal remedies — worsening their health outcomes. Despite warnings from health experts, government authorities have so far failed to curb this growing menace.
The Punjab Healthcare Commission, responsible for regulating private health facilities, faces significant challenges in extending its oversight into rural South Punjab. Limited staffing and resources have constrained its ability to monitor and act against these illegal practices effectively.
Dr. Waqas emphasizes the urgent need for government intervention. “Strict action is essential — including regular monitoring, public awareness campaigns, and targeted crackdowns. Awareness drives in local languages should be prioritized to educate people about the dangers of seeking treatment from unlicensed individuals.”
As the presence of these herbal quacks continues to expand unchecked, urgent steps are necessary to protect the health and well-being of South Punjab’s citizens. Without coordinated action, the public’s trust in legitimate healthcare services will erode further, with potentially catastrophic consequences.
The feature story was released by APP on May 18, 2025.
All facts and information presented are the sole responsibility of the reporter and their organization.
