29/10/2026
The Punjab Healthcare Commission (PHC) issued a directive under Section 4(2)(o) of the PHC Act 2010 to all category-I and category-II healthcare establishments (HCEs), diagnostic laboratories and radiology centres in Punjab to ensure that staff practice strictly within the scope of their professional training, qualification and licence. The directive applies to Lady Health Visitors (LHVs), Operation Theatre Technicians (OTTs), laboratory technologists and other categories of staff. Unauthorised, unqualified or semi-qualified personnel must not independently undertake roles or procedures reserved for licensed doctors, surgeons or other qualified healthcare professionals. Moreover, HCEs have been directed to develop and enforce SOPs defining the scope of practice for each cadre, maintain staff records, ensure that all staff prominently display their name, designation and qualification, and put monitoring mechanisms and disciplinary procedures in place.
This directive aims to protect patients from malpractice and unauthorised practice, uphold professional standards and strengthen institutional accountability.
