Health Department to launch operation against the manufacturers and sellers of spurious and substandard drugs

Lahore: Health Department has decided to launch an immediate operation against the manufacturers and sellers of spurious and substandard drugs.

The decision was made in a meeting chaired by  Secretary Health Jawad Rafique Malik.

On the occasion ,Director General Health Dr. Zahid Pervaiz, Additional Secretary Health (Technical) Dr. Salman Shahid, EDO Health, Chief Drug Controller Iyaz Ali Khan, Secretary Quality Control Board and other officers were present.

Secretary Health Jawad Rafique Malik directed that a vigorous crackdown be launched against the elements involved in the nefarious trade of spurious and substandard drugs and the steps taken in this regard should be visible on ground. He also directed that a toll free phone be installed at Health Department Civil Secretariat and office of DG Health in this regard. He said that advertisements should also be given in all newspapers in this connection. He said that the name of the persons giving information on toll free phone numbers regarding the heinous trade of spurious drugs be kept confidential.

He directed EDO Health that the operation be started from Lahore and a plan should be evolved with the help of district government in this regard and submitted to him.

Secretary Health issued instructions for mobilizing Drug Inspectors of all districts. He said that those drug inspectors and other officials showing laxity in this operation against substandard and spurious drugs will be taken to task.