Drug Testing Labs Analyzed 87,787 Samples In 18 Months

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Jan, 2019 ) :The drug testing laboratories have tested and analyzed 87,787 samples during 18 months under a campaign launched to curb spurious drug in the country.

These labs have been established by Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) across the country and during year 2017, 61,266 samples were analyzed, out of which 83 samples (0.13%) were declared as spurious.

While in 2018 (January-June) 26,521 samples were tested and analyzed by drug testing laboratories, out of which 20 (0.08%) were declared as spurious.

Sources at National Health Services Division on Sunday said DRAP has always been vigilant for eradication of spurious and un-registered drugs from the country.

In 2017, 190 First Information Reports (FIRs) were lodged and 2,495 cases were launched in Drug Courts against violators by DRAP and the Provincial Governments.

Similarly, the sources said in 2018, 312 FIRs and 1560 cases in Drug Courts were lodged against violators.

A National Task Force has also been constituted in collaboration with Provincial Health Departments to eradicate menace of spurious and unregistered drugs.

During campaign, 4,568 inspections were conducted, 1,758 violations of DRAP Act 2012 were observed and 1,282 Regulatory actions (sealing of premises, seizure of stock etc) were taken.

Two quarterly reports have been submitted to Apex court on its directions and campaign is ongoing.

Replying to a question, the sources said Central Licensing board at DRAP/Federal level and Provincial quality control boards at each province level take action against companies manufacturing spurious drugs in the country.

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