September 11, 2007	Tuesday	Sha'aban 28, 1428

LAHORE, Sept 10: Punjab Health Minister Chaudhry Muhammad Iqbal has said all differences on the Drug Rules of 2007 will be resolved in consultation with chemist associations.The minister said this while talking to a 26-member delegation of the Pakistan Chemists’ Retailers Association on Monday. The delegation was led by its chairman Muhammad Ishaq Mayo. The delegation informed the minister the association would submit its recommendations on drug rules to the authorities next week.

The minister said the government had enforced the Drug Rules of 2007 to ensure the supply of standardised medicines to people and was determined to implement the laws strictly. New legislation or amendments in the existing rules would, however, be made in consultation with the stakeholders, he added.

No government functionaries will be allowed to interrupt chemists’ workings or violate the law and procedure.

He said the drug rules were enforced because improper storage of medicines in unhygienic conditions had caused diseases. He said the government would honour the chemists supplying good quality medicines in accordance with the prescribed standard but elements playing with the lives of people would not be spared.

He urged chemists to help the government ensure the supply of good quality medicines to people.

The Pakistan Chemists Retailers’ Association demands that the government repeal Drug Rules of 2007 and restore the Drug Rules of 1988. The participants of a chemists’ convention on Sunday also adopted resolutions demanding the closure of medical stores in the government hospitals, 50 per cent reduction in medicine prices, recognition of medical stores owners as “qualified people” in accordance with the provisions of West Pakistan Drug Rules of 1958 and recognition of dispensers with four years of experience as qualified people in accordance with a decision of the high court.

The participants of the convention also decided to keep the medical stores closed for one day each in Bahawalpur, Sheikhupura, Rahim Yar Khan, Sialkot, Rajanpur, Chakwal, Lodhran, Mianwali, Khanewal, Narowal, Multan, Khushab, Sahiwal, Pakpattan, Layyah, Chunian, Muzaffargarh, Gujranwala, Rawalpindi-Gujar Khan, Lahore, Gujrat and Dera Ghazi Khan from Sept 13. They also decided to discontinue the sale of medicines of the pharmaceutical manufacturers supporting the move for establishment of pharmacy chains.