Illegal Hijama clinics ‘endangering’ lives of people in Pulwama
Locals call upon authorities to act
By: Mushtaq ul Islam
Pulwama: ‘Illegal and unregulated’ Hijama (cupping) therapy centres across Pulwama district has triggered serious concerns among health officials and local residents.
These centres, many of which are operated by unqualified and untrained individuals, continue to function without registration from the AYUSH Department, blatantly violating health regulations and endangering lives, locals alleged.
Unlicensed clinics have mushroomed in areas including Chatapora, Rajpora Road, Dangerpora, Litter, Letapora, Awantipora, Kakapora, and others. They claim to treat neurological disorders, rheumatism, and chronic diseases — despite having no formal medical expertise or government clearance, the locals said.
Numerous cases have surfaced where patients experienced severe side effects, including organ damage, allergic reactions, and in some cases, long-term disability. These consequences are linked to unsafe procedures and the sale of adulterated medicines falsely labelled as Unani or Ayurvedic, the locals added.
Worryingly, investigations reveal that these centres are part of a growing underground drug network, where counterfeit herbal medicines are secretly mixed with harmful allopathic chemicals to create fast but dangerous results, they alleged.
Adding to the deception, some operators present themselves as doctors using fake degrees and fabricated credentials, misleading vulnerable patients in rural and semi-urban areas, the locals said.
Local activists and healthcare professionals are calling for urgent intervention. “These are not clinics — they are ticking time bombs. The authorities must dismantle this dangerous network before more lives are ruined,” said a local medical advocate.
Under Indian law, running an unlicensed clinic or selling adulterated drugs is a criminal offence punishable under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and relevant IPC sections.
The public is now demanding that the District Administration, AYUSH authorities, and law enforcement take immediate, coordinated action to seal these illegal centres and prosecute offenders before the crisis worsens.
