ISLAMABAD: Federal and provincial governments have registered/processed 1644 cases during last two years under their drives to control manufacturing of spurious and substandard drugs in the country.
Of the total, 409 cases were registered/processed for spurious drugs and 1235 cases for substandard drugs after analysis of 85,146 samples of suspected drugs during the period. Sources at National Health Service and Regulations Division on Wednesday said both the federal and provincial governments have taken strict action to control manufacturing and eradication of spurious and substandard medicines and as part of measures launched more than 4000 prosecutions in drug courts.
Hundreds of cases were decided while more than Rs 40 million fine was imposed by drug courts. The sources said Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) suspended production activities of 20 firms and 18 were served show-cause notices on non-compliance of rules. Recently DRAP through Registration Board meetings suspended/cancelled registration of 41 drugs, the sources said and added several successful raids were conducted by DRAP in provinces and culprits involved in this criminal activity have been arrested and are under investigation/trial.
In a joint activity, Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and Punjab Health Department had raided various drug sale points this year and recovered and seized drug. The accused persons were arrested and are under investigation by FIA.
Similarly, the sources said smuggled medicines were recovered in raids in Islamabad and two persons were arrested. The culprits were sent behind the bar. The Drug Court sentenced nine months imprisonment and a fine of Rs 100,000 to each culprit.
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