The alarming discovery of illegal, unregistered medicines and surgical devices being used in hospitals across the country is a wake-up call that cannot be ignored. Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has reportedly called on provincial governments to take immediate action against this dangerous practice. While this is a positive step, it must be the beginning of a broader, long-term effort to protect public health.
Medicine is not a commodity. It is a matter of life and death. When substandard or counterfeit products make their way into hospitals, they directly threaten patient well-being. DRAP’s decision to launch a crackdown is necessary yet a one-time effort will not suffice. Continuous, vigilant surveillance of medicine market is essential. Random inspections of hospitals, clinics and pharmacies must become a norm and not an exception.
Furthermore, DRAP must be empowered with resources and authority to monitor and track medical products rigorously from imports to end-user. The penalties for those involved in illegal trade of medical products need to be far more stringent. Those behind such actions must face harsh consequences including heavy fines and long prison sentences. This should not just be a matter of regulation, but of accountability.
The laws governing sale and distribution of medical products should be strengthened so that those who endanger lives are held fully accountable. In addition to stronger enforcement, public awareness is crucial. Patients should be educated on the risks of counterfeit drugs. Healthcare professionals, too, must be proactive in identifying and reporting suspicious products. Protecting public health must remain the top priority, with no compromises and no exceptions.
