LAHORE: Announcing a significant advancement, Punjab Minister for Primary and Secondary Healthcare Dr Jamal Nasir, says two more drug testing laboratories in the province have achieved pre-qualification status from the World Health Organization (WHO).
With this, the total count of WHO-pre-qualified drug testing facilities in Punjab has now reached five.
During a meeting of the Provincial Quality Control Board, Dr Jamal Nasir said these newly WHO-certified laboratories, situated on Birdwood Road, Lahore and in Multan, have now joined the ranks of the previously pre-qualified facilities located at Sundar Industrial Estate Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Faisalabad.
This recognition solidifies Pakistan's global leadership in terms of WHO-certified drug testing laboratories within a single country, the minister said.
Dr Nasir underscored that this certification reflects the trust the WHO places in these laboratories, serving as a source of pride for the entire nation.
These laboratories have been deemed to operate in accordance with the WHO guidelines for good practices as per pharmaceutical quality control standards.
The minister expressed his firm belief that certified laboratories will play a crucial role in ensuring the population is protected from substandard and unsafe medicines.
He reaffirmed the government's commitment to upholding rigorous international standards within the pharmaceutical industry.
Dr Nasir strongly cautioned against the production of counterfeit or substandard medicines, highlighting the direct impact of medicine quality on patients' lives.
Stressing the pivotal role of the Provincial Quality Control Board, Dr Nasir said that ensuring the supply of quality medicines to the people of Punjab is a fundamental right. He assured that all cases are meticulously evaluated based on merit, reflecting the government's dedication to guaranteeing the availability of high-quality medicines.
The meeting was also attended by Special Secretary Health Muhammad Iqbal, Director General Drugs Control Muhammad Sohail, Director General Health Services Dr Ilyas Gondal, pharmaceutical experts, and relevant officials.
The WHO is anticipated to conduct a final inspection of the Bahawalpur drug testing laboratory in the near future for pre-qualification.
