A hundred names

This refers to the article, ‘What’s in a name?’ (Feb 15), by Dr Arshad Rehan. The writer highlights the need of selling medicines under a single generic name. Around the world, medicines are divided into two categories essential medicines and non-essential medicines. According to WHO, the people across the world should have access to essential medicines at all times and at an affordable price.

These medicines should be available under a single name to avoid confusion. Pakistan is the only developing country in the world who is not following this method of naming medicines. This is why the country’s healthcare is in crisis. If the country adopts the above-mentioned system, harmful medicines can be eradicated from markets.

Emeritus Prof Lt Gen Mahmud Ahmad Akhtar

Islamabad