DRAP urges people to file complaints against spurious drugs

Meeting decides to set up task force against sale of fake medicines

ISLAMABAD: The drug regulator has decided to establish a National Task Force and to publish advertisement for the awareness of public to file complaints against the spurious, unregistered and sub-standard medicines.

A meeting of Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (Drap) was held on Wednesday with the representatives of provincial health departments to develop a roadmap for eradication of spurious, unregistered and sub-standard medicines.

The meeting was convened on the orders of Supreme Court of Pakistan, in which the apex court has ordered to prepare a roadmap within two months for eradication of spurious, unregistered and sub-standard medicines. During the meeting all attendees agreed on constitution of National Task Force and to publish advertisement for the awareness of public to file complaints against the spurious, unregistered and sub-standard medicines.



It was also agreed that the owners of the printing presses will be informed via print media not to print any material other than registered products of licensed manufacturers and importers.

A Complaint Cell and a Central Database shall be established in the DRAP. Law and enforcement agencies shall also be involved as and when required.

The DRAP CEO Dr Shaikh Akhter Hussain briefed the members regarding all the actions taken against Everest Pharmaceuticals, Islamabad, which was found manufacturing unregistered and spurious medicines.



The firm was involved in manufacturing and sale of 28 unregistered medicines. Central Licensing Board has already cancelled the Drug Manufacturing License of the firm. DRAP chief further added that regulator has planned one month campaign against the spurious, unregistered and substandard medicine, which is extendable, if required. The Director (PE&R) in his presentation told that to harmonise inter provincial trade is one of the functions of the DRAP.

In this regard DRAP intends to initiate all activities against spurious, unregistered and sub-standard medicines in consultation with the provincial health departments. DRAP has made certain amendments in the Drug Rules. The attendees were informed that the situation of implementation on the Drug Regulation has improved in 2017 than 2016.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 15^th, 2018.