LAHORE, Sept 9: Punjab Health Minister Chaudhry Muhammad Iqbal has invited the Pakistan Chemists Retailers Association to discuss the Drug Rules of 2007 and other matters on Monday (today).

Association Chairman Muhammad Ishaq Mayo has received a letter from the health minister inviting him and other office-bearers at the Punjab Health Foundation office.

The invitation was discussed at a convention of medical stores’ owners of Punjab on Sunday and the participants allowed the association leaders to hold talks with the government to repeal the Drug Rules of 2007 and restore old Drug Rules of 1988. A 40-member delegation was also nominated for talks with the minister.

The participants of the convention also adopted resolutions demanding closure of medical stores in government hospitals and 50 per cent reduction in medicine prices. They also demanded recognition of medical stores’ owners as “qualified people” in accordance with the provisions of the West Pakistan Drug Rules of 1958. Dispensers with four years of experience should also be recognised qualified in accordance with a decision of the high court.

The participants of the convention also decided to keep 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 stop the sale of medicines of the pharmaceutical manufacturers supporting the pharmacy chains. —Reporter