Fake officials fleecing healthcare providers, PHC issues alert
Why this matters: local context for readers following news across Pakistan and the region.
The Punjab Healthcare Commission (PHC) has cautioned healthcare service providers and other stakeholders against fraudsters impersonating its officials and illegally collecting money in the Commission’s name. According to the Commission, swindlers approach stakeholders with false promises to help them evade PHC’s regulatory and legal actions. Using fake identities and documents, they secure deals for cash or money transfers to their personal accounts. In such an eventuality or suspicion, call the police immediately. It is pertinent to note that the PHC accepts payments only through designated banking channels and accounts titled ‘Punjab Healthcare Commission’, against digitally-generated challans, issued by the Commission. The PHC has also raised concerns about stakeholders blaming the Commission via social media after falling victim to fraudsters. It is clarified that the organisation is not responsible for unauthorised payments, which are made at the payer’s own risk. The PHC is also taking action against those who tarnish its reputation and swindle its stakeholders. Shingles risk rises among senior citizens, vaccination urged