Two ‘illegal’ clinics busted in Panipat

In a major crackdown on unauthorised medical practices, a joint team of the Health Department and the CM’s flying squad raided two private clinics in Panipat city on Tuesday and found several irregularities. Both clinics were found operating without valid permission or registration in Panipat city.

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During raid at one clinic, a man identified as Shabir Ali was found sitting on the doctor’s examination chair. On inquiring, Ali admitted that he was running the clinic. When asked about Dr Kajal (BAMS), whose name was mentioned on the board at the clinic, Ali told raiding team members that she was his daughter who got married to a Saharanpur resident in November 2024.

The inspection team recovered a large stock of allopathic medicines, including multiple used injectable drugs, raising further concerns about illegal possession and distribution of medicines. Shabir Ali failed to provide any document or medical degree authorising him to practice at the clinic.

Based on a complaint filed by Dr Vishal, Medical Officer, Government District Hospital Panipat, a case was registered against Shabir Ali at the Model Town police station under Sections 18(a)(i) and 18(c) of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, Section 34 of the National Medical Commission Act, 2019, and Section 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the police said.

Similar situation was found at another private clinic, where Devender Kumar was present and introduced himself as the owner of said health facility. The clinic premises were searched in Kumar’s presence and medical instruments and allopathic drugs stocked for sale or for distribution were found. Kumar failed to produce any licence or document to run the clinic. An FIR was registered against Kumar under the relevant sections of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, National Medical Commission Act and the BNS.

Dr Vijay Malik, Civil Surgeon, Panipat, said based on the information of the CM flying squad, a joint team raided two clinics which were found to be illegal. “We have registered two separate FIRs against persons running these clinics. We will carry out such search operations in the future also,” the Civil Surgeon said.