ILLEGAL and unlicensed pharmacies have been cropping up in Karachi for quite some time. Their existence has serious implications on public health and safety. Recent years have seen a surge in the number of such pharmacies in the city. They are operating without necessary licenses and regulatory oversight. These establishments often dispense medication without the supervision of qualified pharmacists, posing a grave risk to the wellbeing of the general population.

The consequences of this illegal pharmacy business are multifaceted. First and foremost, it jeopardises the health of the citizens, as people may unknowingly purchase counterfeit or substandard medications, putting their lives at risk. Furthermore, the illegal business thrives at the cost of responsible pharmacies that adhere to the necessary regulations, hurting the latter and discouraging ethical practices in the market.

The relevant authorities should step up efforts to identify and shut down all illegal pharmacies. The community should be vigilant as well, and report any suspicious pharmacy operation in their areas to the appropriate authorities.

It is our collective responsibility to ensure that Karachi remains a city where citizens have access to safe and reliable medications.

Let us work together to curb this illegal activity and uphold the standards of pharmaceutical safety in our beloved city.

Zainab Batool
Karachi

Published in Dawn, December 1st, 2023