Islamabad: The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has stepped up its nationwide operations against the illegal sale, manufacturing, and distribution of spurious and falsified therapeutic goods. The initiative highlights DRAP’s commitment to public health and the availability of safe and effective medicines and medical devices.

In the past fortnight, DRAP, working with provincial health authorities, executed enforcement actions that led to significant seizures, facility sealings, and legal proceedings. In Lahore, an operation resulted in the arrest of individuals selling Urografin 76% Injection illegally, with ongoing investigations into unlicensed sales and overpricing.

A DRAP-led team in Lahore also intercepted a vendor selling unregistered Lipiodol Ultra Liquid near Hameed Latif Hospital. This prompted a raid on M/s Al-Waali Distributors, where illicit items were recovered, the premises sealed, and an investigation initiated.

In Islamabad, DRAP targeted the illegal manufacturing of unregistered medical devices. A surprise inspection at a facility on Kahuta Road revealed the production of plastic urine collection containers without the required Establishment License, violating Medical Devices Rules, 2017, and the DRAP Act, 2012. The devices were seized, and the facility sealed.

Similarly, an operation at M/s Ambro Pharmaceuticals uncovered the unauthorized production and storage of medical devices. The facility’s Drug Manufacturing License had been previously canceled, leading to its sealing and referral of the owner for legal action.

In a separate alert, DRAP warned against falsified Propylene Glycol (PG) in the market. Tests by the Drug Testing Laboratory in Lahore found high levels of toxic Ethylene Glycol (EG) in a specific batch, prompting a call for rigorous raw material screening.

DRAP continues its efforts to eliminate spurious goods through surveillance, intelligence-led enforcement, and stringent regulations. Public cooperation is essential, and citizens are encouraged to report suspicious activities through DRAP’s official channels to ensure access to safe, effective, and quality therapeutic goods.