Complain Against a Hospital or Doctor in Balochistan: Healthcare Commission Rules
Balochistan Healthcare Commission takes written complaints with an affidavit within 60 days, never anonymous ones. See the rules, fines and the 30-day appeal.
In Balochistan, a complaint against a hospital, clinic or doctor goes to the Balochistan Healthcare Commission, in writing, with an affidavit, within 60 days of learning what happened. Anonymous complaints are not accepted. The Commission can fine, seal or close a facility, and an appeal against its order goes to the District and Sessions Judge within 30 days.
The rules come from the Balochistan Healthcare Commission Act, 2019 and the Commission's Licensing and Anti-Quackery Regulation, 2024. We read both on the Balochistan Code, the provincial government's law website, on 20 October 2026. The Act applies to public and private hospitals, charitable and trust hospitals, and semi-government health bodies across the province.
A complaint must be filed within 60 days with an affidavit
Section 29(2) says an aggrieved person may file a complaint within 60 days of learning the cause of action. It must be a written application supported by the complainant's own affidavit. Section 24(6) bars anonymous or pseudonymous complaints against a provider or facility.
| Rule | Section | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| Time limit | 29(2) | 60 days from when you came to know |
| Form | 29(2) | Written application with your affidavit |
| Name | 24(6) | No anonymous or false-name complaints |
| False complaint | 34(3) | The complainant can be fined |
| Police case | 24(7) | No FIR against a provider without the Commission's permission |
| Appeal | 37 | District and Sessions Judge, within 30 days of the order |
Two rules deserve attention before you act. Section 24(7) says no FIR may be lodged against a health facility or provider over health services without the Commission's permission. Section 35 says no suit or prosecution over health services lies against a provider except under this Act. So the Commission is the first door.
The Act defines medical negligence in two ways
Section 22 says a provider may be found guilty of medical negligence in two cases. Either the facility lacks the staff or equipment it claimed when it applied for its licence, or the provider did not meet the minimum service standard or use the skill they have.
Known and recognised complications of a treatment or operation are not negligence under section 22(2). A fine is imposed only after inspection, inquiry and investigation. If the same kind of negligence is proved repeatedly, section 20(2) says the Commission shall suspend the facility's licence.
The Act's definitions section also describes medical negligence as a case where a patient is injured or dies because of improper treatment, with death judged on the basis of an autopsy report. That makes medical records and, where relevant, a post-mortem central to any case.
The Commission can inspect, fine and seal a facility
Under section 28, the Commission's inspection team can inspect a facility when a complaint is received. It can check equipment, practices, documents and the registration of staff. It reports to the Commission, which decides. Under section 34(2), no fine is imposed without a hearing.
The 2024 Regulation sets the money. A provider found working without registration can be fined up to Rs 1,000,000 and have the premises sealed. Its penalty schedule lists fines of Rs 200,000 to Rs 600,000, with sealing or stoppage of services, for clinics not registered with the Commission or found with evidence of quackery.
The Act defines a quack as a pretender giving health services without the knowledge, skill and registration of the medical, tibb, homeopathy, nursing or pharmacy councils, or another regulator. Under the Regulation, officers who visit a suspected outlet check the provider's council registration and the facility's licence, and can seize evidence such as prescription slips and medicines.
File a complaint with the Balochistan Healthcare Commission in five steps
Put your complaint in writing, keep it factual and attach proof. The Commission must give the other side a hearing, so a clear timeline with documents carries more weight than strong words. Start soon, because the 60-day clock runs from when you learned the facts.
- Write down what happened, with dates, the facility's name and address, and the staff involved.
- Collect medical records, prescriptions, bills, test reports and, if a patient died, the autopsy report.
- Write the complaint and swear an affidavit in your own name. Attach a copy of your CNIC.
- Submit it to the Balochistan Healthcare Commission in Quetta and get a receipt.
- If you disagree with the final order, appeal to the District and Sessions Judge within 30 days.
Before treatment, you can check a doctor's PMDC registration online. If you have a complaint about unsafe food rather than a hospital, the route is different, as set out in reporting unsafe food in Sindh, KP and Balochistan. For free legal advice on your options, call the 1099 human rights helpline.
Common questions
Who handles complaints against hospitals in Balochistan?
The Balochistan Healthcare Commission, set up under the Balochistan Healthcare Commission Act, 2019. It covers public, private, charitable and trust hospitals.
How long do I have to complain?
Sixty days from the date you came to know the cause of action, under section 29(2) of the Act.
Can I complain without giving my name?
No. Section 24(6) says the Commission will not entertain anonymous or pseudonymous complaints. You must file with your own affidavit.
Can I go straight to the police against a doctor?
Not over health services. Section 24(7) says no FIR may be lodged against a provider or facility without the Commission's permission.
What happens if my complaint is found false?
The Commission may fine the complainant, under section 34(3). Keep your complaint to facts you can show.
Where do I appeal a Commission decision?
To the District and Sessions Judge, in writing, within 30 days of being told the Commission's order, under section 37.
How we verified this
What we checked, where we read it, and what we could not confirm.
Last checked 20 October 2026. We read the full Balochistan Healthcare Commission Act, 2019 and the Licensing and Anti-Quackery Regulation, 2024 on the Balochistan Code. We could not find a working website, office address, phone number or complaint form for the Commission, so ask at the provincial Health Department in Quetta where to submit. We could not confirm how many complaints the Commission has decided. This page explains the law and is not legal advice.
About the author
Public Services and Education Journalist
Fajr Riaz is a journalist and content writer at Pakistan Era, based in Lahore. She covers the questions people meet in everyday life in Pakistan: how a public service works, what a change in the rules means, and where to find a reliable answer.
