The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has launched a massive crackdown on falsified pharmaceutical products following formal complaints from provincial health authorities. Reports from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and Sindh revealed that multiple batches of medicines and medical products were identified as counterfeit or substandard.
In response, DRAP issued recall alerts targeting products such as Penbiotic Injection, Carfen Suspension, Novidat Tablets, and others. It is worth noting that some items were traced to bogus manufacturers, highlighting regulatory loopholes. DRAP’s National Regulatory Field Force (NRFF) and provincial drug control departments have been directed to conduct market surveys and ensure that these products are removed from circulation immediately.
Pharmacists, chemists and healthcare professionals have been directed to stop distributing or prescribing the listed products. They must isolate existing stocks and provide supplier details to area drug inspectors. Manufacturers of the defective batches have been ordered to recall their products, while field inspections are underway to detect and eliminate these threats to public health.
The campaign also addresses substandard folic acid infusions and cephradine capsules. DRAP affirmed its commitment to protecting public health through strict implementation and cooperation with regional authorities.