Caught in the act: Medical stores raided in Hangu

Owners asked to acquire licence before March

HANGU: Kurram Agency Assistant Political Agent Naik Muhammad Khan raided medical stores to check if they were selling fake medicines and if they had requisite licences.

Officials from Kurram Agency’s health department were also asked to join the raid. There are hundreds of medical stores set up in Parachinar but only a few of their owners actually have permits to legally do their business there, said an official.

Speaking to the media, Naik said raids like these were never conducted in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas before he came on board.



“However, medical stores will be regularly checked now, not only under my supervision, but also under those who succeed me,” he said.

The APA gave an ultimatum to all medical store owners to acquire licences for selling medicines.

“They have until March, after which all stores sans licence will be sealed and heavy fines will be imposed on the owners,” he added.

During the raid, some store owners and union members said doctors prescribe substandard medicines and enforce their provision upon the medical store owners.

Naik also visited the Agency Headquarters Hospital and advised staff there to maintain cleanliness in the facility.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 23^rd,  2016.