ISLAMABAD: In accordance with the directives of the Caretaker Federal Minister for Health, Dr Nadeem Jan, an extensive crackdown on counterfeit and overpriced medicines is underway across the country.
The minister's spokesperson says a major operation has been launched in Lahore, where stringent measures were taken against individuals selling medications above the approved price.
He says action was launched after reports that heparin injections, drugs for tuberculosis, epilepsy, cancer, and other life-saving medicines were illicitly circulating in the black market.
Detailed findings indicated that these medicines were being sold at prices significantly exceeding the approved rates.
Notably, Tegeral epilepsy medicine was being retailed for Rs1300 to Rs1400 instead of the sanctioned Rs260 per box. Heparin injection prices ranged from Rs1500 to Rs3000, surpassing the authorized Rs975. Rivotril, intended to be sold at Rs267 per box, was being unlawfully priced at Rs700 to Rs800.
The irregularities also extended to other medications, such as Rivotril 2mg, which was available at Rs800 to Rs1000 instead of the prescribed Rs400. Similarly, Zenax 0.5mg was being sold at Rs1400 instead of Rs278, while Zenax 1mg was priced at Rs4000 instead of Rs502 per box. The Ultrawest box, meant to cost Rs3418, was being sold at an exorbitant Rs6500.
Dr. Nadeem Jan reiterated his commitment to taking action against those violating the DRAP Act, asserting that severe fines and penalties would be imposed on the profiteers.
He also announced that the DRAP task force would be actively pursuing legal measures against individuals engaged in such malpractices.
