ISLAMABAD: While considering 20 cases, Quality Control Board of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (Drap) approved prosecution in seven cases whereas sale licences have been cancelled in two cases. The board suspended one licence and warnings were issued in seven cases.

Some of the medical stores and pharmacies were selling expired medicines, others were selling unregistered medicines and some were found involved selling medicines which are considered drugs if sold without prescription.

According to a statement, 51st meeting of the Quality Control Board was held under the Chairmanship of Additional Secretary Ministry of National Health Services Barrister Dr Nabeel Awan. The meeting was attended by Deputy Secretary Health, District Health Officer Dr Zaeem Zia, Additional Director Drap, Chief Pharmacist Polyclinic, Cardiologist Dr Hamid Iqbal and Drug Inspectors concerned.

Secretary Quality Control Board Sardar Shabbir Ahmed presented 20 cases of violation of Drugs Act, 1976 for discussion and decision. All the accused concerned were also summoned for personal hearing.

The board after discussion and scrutiny of record approved prosecution in seven cases cancelled sale licences in 2 cases. The board suspended one licence whereas warnings have been issued in seven cases.

The board secretary was directed to ensure prosecution of approved cases at the earliest.

Sardar Shabbir, while talking to Dawn, said that all the cases were related to pharmacies and medical stores.

“Some of them were selling expired medicines, others were selling unregistered and some were found involved in selling medicines which are considered drugs if sold without prescription,” he said.

While replying to a question, Mr Shabir said that the meeting of the board was held after every three months.

Published in Dawn, April 8th, 2022