LAHORE: Punjab Minister for Primary and Secondary Healthcare Dr Jamal Nasir has warned the medicine hoarders of strict action, saying the government has launched a mobile phone application for providing accurate information to the people about the availability of drugs in the market.

Addressing a meeting of the Provincial Drugs Quality Control Board here on Monday, he said the mobile phone application will also point out those responsible for artificial shortage of medicines through illegal stocking and for selling them on higher prices.

The consumers could install the ‘Drug Shortage Report’ app from Google Play Store and use it to inform the government about the shortage, non-availability or overpricing of any drug in the market, he added.

The minister observed that those who earn unlawful profits by selling drugs at higher prices commit a sinful act.

Dr Nasir directed the officials to ensure that the prescribed parameters and standards set for chemist shops were being strictly followed and the SOPs regarding temperature, light and dust etc. implemented in letter and spirit at such outlets and pharmacies for maintaining quality of medicines.

He warned that those operating medical stores without an licence should close them down immediately or be ready to face the consequences.

In case an unauthorised medical store is found functioning, the relevant drug inspector will be held responsible for this, the minister said.

Mr Nasir said the pharmaceutical companies operating in Punjab should adhere to international standards for manufacturing medicines.

Quality standards and safety protocols should be honestly followed during the preparation of medicines, he maintained and directed that a comprehensive system should also be devised for solving the problems of pharmaceutical companies and redressing their legitimate complaints.

The minister appreciated the quality control board for rendering valuable services to ensure the supply of quality medicines in Punjab and hearing all cases on merit, adding that new cases should also be taken up as soon as possible.

He said that availability of quality medicines was the basic right of people and the government was playing it’s role in this regard.

Punjab Health Director General Dr Ilyas Gondal and Drugs Control DG Muhammad Sohail, besides other relevant officers and pharmaceutical experts, participated in the board meeting.

Published in Dawn, September 12th, 2023