In response to rising concerns, the caretaker Federal Minister for Health, Dr. Nadeem Jan, has initiated a nationwide crackdown on illegal drug profiteering and the circulation of fake, unregistered medicines. The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) is conducting targeted operations against distributors, pharmacies, and medical stores across major cities in the country to ensure the availability of quality medicines for the public.
The crackdown has unveiled instances of illegal practices, including the overpricing of medicines. In Karachi, the DRAP team inspected various areas, such as DHA Karachi, Gulshan Iqbal, and Gulistan Johar. Specific cases of illegal profiteering were identified, with establishments like Irfan Medicos in DHA Karachi found selling Heparin injection at a significantly higher price than the approved rate—Rs 3500 instead of Rs 800.
Other medicines, including Tramal Injection, Augmentin DS Suspension, Hydraline Syrup, Ventolin Inhaler, Tegeral, and Augmentin DS tablets, were also discovered being sold at inflated prices. The seized medicines were promptly confiscated, and the implicated establishments were sealed.
The Minister for Health has initiated legal actions against pharmacy owners under the DRAP Act, emphasizing the commitment to strict measures against those exploiting the public by selling medicines at exorbitant prices. This crackdown aims to ensure the rule of law and uphold the availability of quality medicines throughout Pakistan.
