Drap intensifies crackdown on illegal medicines, medical devices

ISLAMABAD: The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (Drap) has ramped up its nationwide crackdown on the illegal sale, manufacturing, and distribution of spurious therapeutic goods, demonstrating its firm commitment to safeguarding public health.

“Over the past fifteen days, Drap, in collaboration with provincial health authorities, has conducted multiple enforcement operations, resulting in significant seizures, facility closures, and legal proceedings against violators,” Drap CEO Dr Oabidullah said. Giving the details, he said in a major enforcement action in Lahore on March 25, Drap teams apprehended individuals involved in the illegal sale of an injectable contrast medium. The confiscated stock was found to be unlicensed and overpriced, prompting legal action against those involved. Similarly, earlier on March 14, Drap officials intercepted a peddler selling unregistered liquid used in interventional radiology and women’s health near a hospital on Ferozepur Road, Lahore. This led to a raid on fluid’s distributors, where illicit stocks were recovered, the facility was sealed, and an investigation was launched. In Islamabad, the Drap took decisive action against the unlawful manufacturing of unregistered medical devices. During an inspection on March 25, officials discovered illegal production and storage of plastic urine collection containers at a facility in industrial triangle, Kahuta Road. The facility, which lacked mandatory establishment license, was sealed, and all illegal products were confiscated. A similar raid on March 14, at a former pharmaceutical facility revealed ongoing manufacturing and storage of medical devices despite prior cancellation of its drug manufacturing license. The premises were shut down, and the owner is now facing legal action.