The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has confiscated 11 counterfeit medicines from various cities in Punjab.
Following confirmation from the Punjab Drug Testing Laboratory that these 11 medicine samples were counterfeit, DRAP has imposed a ban on their sale and use. Additionally, recall alerts have been issued for these products at the request of the Punjab government.
The counterfeit medicines were marketed under the names of several reputable pharmaceutical brands, raising serious concerns about public health. DRAP has warned that the use of these fake drugs could negatively impact treatment outcomes and has urged the Punjab government to take swift action to stop their circulation.
DRAP has initiated a thorough investigation into the distribution network of these counterfeit medicines in Punjab, calling on the Punjab Drug Control Directorate to conduct a survey throughout the province.
In November 2024, DRAP had instructed provincial governments to combat illegal drugs and medical devices after discovering the use of unauthorized imported medicines and surgical instruments in hospitals. DRAP sent letters to all provinces, including Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, urging action against those involved in the sale or use of unapproved medical products.
Additionally, DRAP has ordered its field force to intensify market surveillance and investigate the supply chain of illegal medical products. The regulatory body also introduced a specialized portal on its website to provide information about imported medicines and medical devices, aiming to simplify the import process for hospitals and patients.
