Sherry orders inquiry on expired, substandard drugs in market

ISLAMABAD, May 5 (APS): Minister for Health, Ms. Sherry Rehman Monday ordered an inquiry into the reports of the availability of expired and substandard drugs in the market.
Expressing her grave concern at the increase in the number of cases related to the administering of expired drugs, she directed the concerned authorities to immediately present a report followed by stern action by the federal and provincial authorities under the Drug Act 1976.
“It is the duty of the government to ensure the safety of the citizens. There can be no compromise on the health of the citizens, she said.
“It is unthinkable for our government to let the heinous practice of administering of expired drugs carried out, deliberately putting patient’s life at risk,” the Minister added.
After the presentation of the report, a series of surprise checks and raids will be carried out in the hospitals and pharmacies throughout the country by the federal and provincial authorities.
She said, “Elements involved in selling and administering expired drugs will be brought to book to ensure such practice does not take place in future.”
The Minister also ordered mandatory routine checks to discourage the pharmacies and the hospitals to stock and administer expired drugs.
Sherry Rehman said, “The current government is committed to provide maximum safety nets to the citizens. Provision of adequate health services that includes a range of preventive and curative health measures is a strong component of the government’s agenda in the health sector.
“We are already working on charting out a comprehensive National Health Service plan that would ensure that this essential service is made available to all citizens,” the Minister added.