ISLAMABAD: in a bid to put an end to unethical practices in medicines prescription , many other key players like Pakistan Pharmacists Association (PPA) and Pakistan Chemists and Druggests Association (PC&DA) have rallied behind DRAP for enforcing laws meant in Drug Act 1976 for writing generic name of medicines . This initiative will help stop unethical practices seen rising in Pakistan in recent years.
DRAP had decided to take initiative for registration on generic basis for all single ingredient drugs in consult with relevant stakeholders.
It is pertinent to mention that DRAP’s initiative on the matter is in compliance of law for generic medicines under Drugs Act 1976 and Rules framed there under which is part of the DRAP ACT 2012 under Schedule -VI .
After 18th amendment sale of therapeutic drugs is the responsibility of Provinces and assurance of sale under physical presence of a qualified pharmacist is also the responsibility of Provinces.
Moreover , DRAP has conveyed the grievance of the masses , that was submitted through Prime Minister Implementation Delivery Unit (PIMU) Portal by requesting the provincial governments to develop a mechanism for prescription of generic medicines in coordination with Healthcare Commission , Pakistan Medical Association (PMS), Pakistan Pharmacists Association (PPA), Pakistan Chemists and Druggists Association and others deemed fit by the provincial governments.
DRAP has also been receiving various complaints regarding unethical marketing and promotion activities at the cost of patients health . This practice at any level is strongly discouraged and requires strong coordination among stakeholders for it to be curbed.
Farid Khan, President PPA Islamabad chapter, is a true professional as a pharmacist. He told NEWSMAN that some doctors have been seen misusing their profession by prescribing either unwanted medicines or recommending high prices medicines to give benefit to the manufacturers. He firmly believes DRAP’s initiative will bring great relief to the patients in Pakistan.
Mehr Noor is another professional pharmacist who is fighting for putting an end to doctor-medicine manuacturers nexus. Mehr had been put to unending agony by this dreadful mafia of doctors and medicine manufacturers carrying out inhuman business of branded medicines in Pakistan in the name of prescription, but this daring stuff did not bow down and decided to keep his fight for patients on no matter how it hurts him.