The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has imposed a ban on the sale and use of 11 counterfeit medicine batches after the Punjab Drug Testing Laboratory confirmed their falsity. In response to the Punjab government’s request, DRAP has also issued recall alerts for these dangerous products.
These counterfeit medicines, produced under the names of various established pharmaceutical brands, have raised significant concerns about public health. DRAP has warned that the use of fake medicines can have serious consequences on treatment outcomes and has urged the Punjab government to take immediate action to prevent further circulation.
To address the growing threat of counterfeit medicines, DRAP has launched a comprehensive investigation into their supply chain in Punjab and has called on the Punjab Drug Control Directorate to conduct a survey within the province.
In November 2024, DRAP issued directives to all provincial governments to step up efforts against illegal drugs and medical devices. This followed the revelation of illegal imported medicines and surgical instruments being used in hospitals. DRAP has sent letters to all provinces, as well as Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, directing them to take swift action against the sale, use, or importation of unauthorized medical products.
To combat this issue effectively, DRAP has ordered its field force to conduct robust surveillance of the medicine market and investigate the supply chain of illegal products. Additionally, DRAP has introduced a specialized portal on its website to provide detailed information on imported medicines and medical devices, aiming to streamline the import process for hospitals and patients.
These steps demonstrate DRAP’s commitment to ensuring the safety and integrity of the medical supply chain in Pakistan.
