Stern action against pharmacists

Health department warns vendors of 'strict action' if they are found selling substandard and fake drugs.

GILGIT: Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) Health Minister, Haji Gulbar Khan, has warned drug sellers and chemists of strict action if they are found selling substandard and fake drugs.

“Those found guilty of selling or stocking low quality or fake drugs will face severe consequences,” the minister told The Express Tribune on Monday.

“The issue is directly linked to the safety of our people so we cannot let this practice continue.”

Teams, headed by drug inspectors, have been formed to curb this unethical and illegal business, Gulbar said, adding hospitals and drug stores in the region will be checked.

Media and government departments have been flooded with complaints against the sale of low quality medicines.

“People write to us requesting action against those elements that are playing with their health and lives,” an official said.

Gulbar said that unlike other provinces, the number of drug inspectors in Gilgit-Baltistan is low which makes it difficult for the health department
to clamp down on this practice.

“Though there are many problems faced by the health department, we are committed to resolve them as soon as possible,” Gulbar said.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 3^rd, 2010.