DRAP’s spokesperson has informed that CEO, DRAP has chaired a meeting 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. Apart from representatives of the Provincial Health Departments, Director (PE&R), Director (Licensing), Director (Health & OTC), Director (Pharmacy Services) and Additional Directors of DRAP’s field offices also attended the meeting. CEO, DRAP briefed the members regarding all the actions taken against M/s. Everest Pharmaceuticals, Islamabad, who was found in manufacturing of unregistered & 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. CEO, DRAP further added that DRAP 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 harmonize 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. Pakistan is included in those countries, where a large number of drug samples are picked up for test/ analysis. Due to the activities of the DRAP and provinces the percentage of spurious drugs has dropped in 2017. Drug Courts have imposed a fine of 32 million on the various accused. After assuming the charge of CEO, Dr. Shaikh Akhter Hussain, called upon Provincial Health Minister of Sindh and Punjab to enhance the inter provincial coordination. The representative of Punjab, Sindh and KPK assured their full cooperation to curb the menace of spurious drugs. 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/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. At the end of the meeting CEO, DRAP reiterated that DRAP shall eradicate spurious, unregistered and sub-standard medicines from Pakistan very soon. ***** ?
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