PESHAWAR: Health minister Syed Qasim Ali Shah announced on Friday that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa would be the first province to approve a drug policy.

He made this statement during a meeting at the health department.

He said under the policy, pharmacy services would be integrated with the health centres. He said doctors would prescribe medications based on formulas rather than brands for patients, aiming to eliminate price manipulation and supply constraints from the drug market.

“Implementation of the policy is expected to reduce medication expenses for patients. Hospital pharmacist appointments under the policy will ensure the availability of standard medications at lower rates for the public,” he said.

Additionally, Mr Ali said assistance would be provided to reduce the harmful effects of medications through pharmaceutical vigilance and antimicrobial resistance in hospitals.

“A drug information and poison control centre will be established to provide guidance on poisoning and medication overdoses. “Establishment of a drug testing laboratory at the divisional level is also proposed in the policy, along with the recommendation for the appointment of a drug inspector at the district level,” the minister said.

Published in Dawn, April 6th, 2024