CEO says legal action will be taken against offenders under Drug Act 1976, DRAP Act 2012. PHOTO: FILE
As per a notification issued on Sunday, Drap will take action against those pharmaceutical companies and others, which are conducting illegal marketing and advertising of medicines on various platforms, including social media, television and newspapers.
Advertising medicines without prior permission is a punishable offence under Drug Act 1976, the notification reads, warning of legal action against professionals and doctors involved in illegal publicity and marketing of drugs.
The drug inspectors of Punjab and the federal capital have been directed to ensure strict legal action against illegal publicity and advertisement of drugs.
According to reports, various advertisers are making use of various electronic and print media platforms, including social media and road signboards, to illegally advertise medicinal supplements in an attempt to mislead the consumers.
Illegal advertisement by pharmaceutical firms and marketers encourage people to take medicines without prescription. The advertisers often supply consumers with misleading and wrong information about drugs using publicity tools such as newspapers, magazines, handouts, social media and signboards.
The ads are often laden with frightening or tempting content and pictures to fool general public and patients so that they consume drugs without prescription. The ads also present wrong claims and fake endorsements about the benefits of medicines to lure consumers.
Consumption of illegal and unapproved medicines and food supplements pose serious risks to public health.
According to the Drap CEO, legal action will be taken against offenders under Drug Act 1976 and DRAP Act 2012.
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