KARACHI (Credible Post Report)
The alleged sale of counterfeit medicines revealed the regulatory affairs in Karachi where 80 percent Medical stores are operating by non Pharmacists lack of effective action against illegal medical stores, and the performance of drug inspectors in various districts of Karachi have raised serious concerns. Drug inspectors responsible for monitoring pharmaceutical sales in Korangi, Malir, South and West districts are facing allegations of negligence, alleged collusion with medical store owners, and monthly illegal collections, raising questions about the effectiveness of the Drug Control Department’s monitoring system.
According to credible sources, certain drug inspectors are allegedly receiving monthly payments from medical store owners and demanding substantial amounts in the name of licence renewals. Sources further claim that thousands of medical stores operating without valid licences are allegedly functioning under the protection of concerned officials, while effective measures to prevent the sale of counterfeit and substandard medicines remain lacking.
The matter has become more serious following reports that the Sindh Drug Testing Laboratory recently declared seven samples belonging to six medicines as counterfeit. According to sources, reports concerning the fake medicines were also forwarded to the Drug Inspector Karachi South for necessary action. However, details of the action taken against the suspected outlets and those responsible have yet to emerge.
The most alarming aspect for citizens is that the continued sale of medicines through unlicensed medical stores, coupled with ineffective monitoring, could directly endanger public health. Counterfeit and substandard medicines can compromise patient treatment and pose serious risks to human lives.
Sources also indicate that the absence of a Chief Drug Inspector in the Drug Control Department has raised further questions about administrative supervision and accountability. The lack of an effective mechanism to monitor district-level operations and hold concerned officials accountable for alleged irregularities has added to the concerns.
Public representatives and civil society circles have demanded an independent audit of medical store licences, medicine stocks, purchase and sale records, and the performance of drug inspectors in Korangi, Malir, South and West districts. They have also called for a thorough investigation into the laboratory reports and identification of those involved in the alleged distribution of counterfeit medicines.
They further demanded transparent investigations into allegations of monthly illegal collections, misuse of official authority, and alleged protection of unlicensed medical stores. If these allegations are substantiated, strict legal action should be taken against the officials and medical store owners involved.
The key question remains: When the Sindh Drug Testing Laboratory has already identified counterfeit medicines, when will the authorities take practical steps to stop their sale and ensure the availability of safe and genuine medicines to the public .It has been also noted that District Health Officers issued all licenses after taking bribes from medical store owners and allowed them to operate non Pharmacists.
