Ban Imposed on Unlicensed Sale of Medicines in Islamabad; Strict Legal Action Warned Against Violators
ISLAMABAD: Islamabad has taken a huge step towards controlling the pharmaceutical industry and safeguarding public health by imposing a tight ban on the sale of drugs without a license.
Clinics, pharmacies and medical stores without proper license will no longer be allowed to sell medicines, the new instructions said, and gave a warning about strict legal action against those found to be in violation.
The new regulatory measures have several important aspects.There are several key aspects to the new regulatory measures.
Official Directive Sent: Secretary of Drug Quality Control, Islamabad has officially issued a circular to all relevant Federal Departments. The ban has been implemented in light of a recent ruling by the constitutional court.
Unlicensed Facilities: All medical stores, pharmacies and clinics with no documentation have been instructed to obtain licences to operate as soon as possible.
The restrictions are on Distributors: Pharmaceutical distributors, have been instructed strictly, not to supply medicines to any medical setup, clinic or medical store without a valid sales license. The policy clearly provides that local dispensations permitted on prescription in health settings will not be permitted on a small scale basis.
Inter Departmental Co-ordination: Copies of the official circular has also been sent to the Healthcare Regulatory Authority, Islamabad Health Department and Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) for strict enforcement.