Minister calls meeting to end shortage of inhalers, asthma drugs

LAHORE: On the instructions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Health Minister Kh Imran Nazir, taking immediate notice of the shortage of asthma medicines summoned the representatives of the companies and distributors to remove the shortage of Ventolin inhalers on an emergency basis.

The Health Minister directed the Drug Control Wing to immediately crack down on those responsible for the shortage of medicines and inhalers. Strict action will be taken against the elements causing shortage of medicines across Punjab, added the minister.

Chairing a meeting of Quality Control Board, Kh Imran Nazir said police have been directed to cooperate fully with the Drug Control Wing to remove the shortage of life-saving drugs. He directed that FIRs should be lodged against the hoarding and shortage causing mafia.

The minister reviewed the affairs, working and performance of the Provincial Quality Control Board during a meeting.

The minister directed that pending cases in drug inspectors and PQCB regarding fake medicines should be dealt with quickly. During the meeting, the provincial minister was informed that a total of 328,165 Ventolin inhalers are available in the central warehouses of both the health departments. The Department of Primary and Secondary Health Care has 142,740 inhalers in its warehouse while the Department of Specialized Health Care has 185,425 inhalers available.