PM orders tough crackdown on fake medicines, poison peddlers

February 20, 2025 (MLN): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered an immediate operation against the rampant spread of spurious medicines across the country, warning that those endangering human lives will face the full force of the law.

Chairing a high-level meeting, the premier emphasized that counterfeit drug manufacturers and their facilitators within regulatory bodies will not be tolerated.

“Fraudsters cannot be allowed to play with human lives,” he declared, directing authorities to take decisive action in collaboration with provincial governments.

The PM instructed officials to devise a comprehensive plan to revamp the pharmaceutical sector and tighten regulations.

To improve healthcare access, the Prime Minister directed the launch of mobile hospitals in the outskirts of Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, and Balochistan.

He also ordered the establishment of an international-level drug testing laboratory in Islamabad to ensure global standards for medicines, according to the press release issued today.

Furthermore, he instructed the identification and removal of corrupt officers within the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), ensuring immediate disciplinary action.

He stressed the need for research-driven growth in medicine exports and called for the swift implementation of reforms in DRAP.

To further strengthen the pharmaceutical sector, the Prime Minister emphasized the appointment of reputed and experienced experts on merit in the DRAP Policy Board and directed measures to enhance the Drug Pricing Committee.

During the meeting, he was briefed on the progress of ongoing health sector reforms, including the near-completion of a digital registration system for medicines and ongoing consultations on the National Medicines Policy, which will soon be presented for approval.

It was revealed that 94 new drug inspectors have been appointed, while the performance of 25 existing inspectors is under review.

The Prime Minister instructed authorities to ensure transparency in the hiring process.

Additionally, the meeting was informed that Pakistan’s current medicine exports stand at 500 million dollars.

The Ministry of Health is working to increase this volume through research facilities and the establishment of an Export Directorate in DRAP, which is in its final stages.

Efforts are also underway to enhance the sector’s capacity and align it with international standards, particularly to boost the export of surgical instruments.

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