- Zafar Rajput warns against corruption, commercialization in health sector, dubbing pharma-linked rewards for doctors amount to bribery
- Stresses ban on publicity-driven prescription practices, lauding Praises CAP Chairman as ‘hero who deserves state recognition’
KARACHI: Acting Sindh High Court Chief Justice Zafar Ahmed Rajput on Sunday said that while governments often prioritize political demands, equal focus must be given to vital sectors like health, justice, and education, warning that commercialization and corruption in healthcare have created an alarming situation, with malpractice persisting for years.
He was speaking as chief guest at the 5th Health Care Summit 2025 and Health Care Awards organized by the Consumers Association of Pakistan (CAP) at a local hotel. The event was hosted by CAP Chairman Kaukab Iqbal and attended by PPP MNA and Honorary Consul General of Yemen Dr. Mirza Ikhtiar Baig, businessman and Honorary Consul General of Mozambique Khalid Tawab, DG Ministry of Foreign Affairs Karachi Irfan Soomro, Dr. Abdul Bari Khan of Indus Hospital, Brig (R) Waqar Awan, Dr. Rafiq Khanani and several other notable figures.
Justice Rajput called for a strict ban on publicity linked to prescribing medicines, noting that doctors are often rewarded with foreign trips and expensive gifts by pharmaceutical companies for promoting certain brands. “This falls under bribery and must end,” he said.
He pointed out that Pakistan has more registered medicines than even the World Health Organization (WHO) and urged stronger government control over the process. “Curbing bribery and corruption in the medical field is essential. The government must focus on health, education, and justice alongside regulating medicine registration,” he emphasized.
Lauding Kaukab Iqbal’s contributions, Justice Rajput said, “When a writer received the Nobel Prize, it was said that his stature was greater than the award. Similarly, Kaukab Iqbal does not need government validation to be a hero—though he certainly deserves state-level recognition.”
He also reminded that Article 9 of the Constitution guarantees the right to life and Article 38 obligates the state to provide healthcare. “The progress of nations is tied to good health, and developed societies always prioritize women’s development,” he added.
Kaukab Iqbal, in his address, strongly criticized the Health Care Commission for failing to act against quacks, exploitative hospitals, and inflated drug pricing. “Pharma commissions must stop. The Commission has failed to check overbilling and curb quackery. Protecting consumer rights is our mission, and we will also seek legal remedies. No one can be allowed to play with human lives,” he said.
Dr. Ikhtiar Baig praised Iqbal for pioneering Sindh’s first consumer rights law, though lamented its delayed implementation. Khalid Tawab underlined the urgent need for clean drinking water, citing rising hepatitis cases due to contamination.
Dr. Abdul Bari Khan detailed Indus Hospital’s remarkable journey from 150 beds and Rs. 1 billion in funds to a Rs. 61 billion operation with 13 branches nationwide. Irfan Soomro emphasized the importance of healthcare, recalling his UN experience. Dr. Sheikh Shakeel warned about the rapid spread of malaria in Sindh, saying the disease could be contained within a day if timely steps were taken.
Advocate Javed Chhatari revealed that notices were issued to 250 companies regarding their CSR funds, but most refused to disclose expenditures. “We have the right to ask where public money goes,” he said.
The ceremony concluded with resolutions, cake-cutting, and distribution of awards and shields to journalists and distinguished guests, including Justice Rajput, Kaukab Iqbal, Dr. Baig, Irfan Soomro, Rehan Hashmi, and others. The Consul General of Indonesia also attended the event.
