Six Unregistered Diagnostic Labs Sealed in Budgam District
Budgam, KNT: In a move to curb unauthorized medical practices and uphold healthcare standards, the Health Department Budgam on Wednesday sealed six unregistered diagnostic laboratories operating illegally in the Beerwah and Khag areas of the district.
The twin operations were carried out under the supervision of District Health Officer (DHO) Budgam, Dr. Lahoot Hassan, in coordination with the Block Medical Officers (BMO) of Beerwah and Khag, supported by a special PC & PNDT Act enforcement team from the office of the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Budgam and the district health enforcement staff.
According to officials, the action followed multiple complaints from locals alleging that several diagnostic labs were functioning without registration, qualified staff, or compliance with basic hygiene and biomedical waste management norms. During the inspections, health teams found serious violations of the Clinical Establishments Act and Biomedical Waste Management Rules, prompting the immediate sealing of six such facilities—three in Beerwah and three in Khag.
Officials told Kashmir News Trust that the sealed labs were conducting diagnostic tests without valid authorization, lacked proper waste disposal systems, and maintained substandard hygiene, thereby posing grave risks to public health.
“No one will be allowed to play with public health,” said Dr. Lahoot Hassan, emphasizing that the department is determined to enforce the law and ensure that only licensed and qualified facilities operate in Budgam. “We will continue to identify, inspect, and take firm action against all unregistered and unqualified diagnostic centers across the district,” he said.
BMO Beerwah added that illegal labs not only exploit patients but also damage the credibility of registered medical establishments. He urged the public to visit only authorized diagnostic centers and report any suspicious or unregistered setups to the authorities.
The Health Department Budgam has warned that strict legal proceedings, including prosecution under the PC & PNDT Act and other relevant health laws, will be initiated against violators.
Locals have widely welcomed the crackdown, calling it a much-needed step to protect patient safety and maintain the integrity of healthcare services in the district. Officials also confirmed that similar inspection drives will continue across all medical blocks to ensure compliance with statutory norms and prevent illegal practices. [KNT]
