Ministry of Health, Government of the Punjab has issued notification by the order of the Governor of the Punjab; printed in the Punjab weekly gazette dated February 10, 2010, page No. 951. In exercise of power conferred upon him under Section 44 of the Drug Act. 1976 (XXXI of 1976) which empower government to make rules under Act subjected to previous publication. The governor of the Punjab has made amendments in the Punjab Drug Rules, 2007 after previous publication of these amendments. In Schedule A- From 9 at Serial No. 1, after the word “and sell” the word “or distribute” is inserted. In Form 10 at serial No. 1, after the word “or sale by way of wholesale” is inserted.
In response of this notification the executives of the Pharmacist Federation of Pakistan; Dr. Taha Nazir – Secretary General (Pakistan), Mr. Khursheed Alama– President Rawalpindi, Syed Muzzamal Masood Zaidi – President Islamabad, Dr. Tahir Farooq – Press Secretary, Malik Muahmmad Sharif – President Gujranwala, Abdul Rub Mujahid – President Bahawalpure and Asad Imran – President Lahore said that it is nothing more than legalizing the unlawful wholesale business of life saving drugs. These amendments are biased and base on unrealistic approach of Government of the Punjab. The Governor of the Punjab has secured the non-professional people to sell the life savin drugs. The way of distribution of drugs is totally different than selling the vegetable, grains and garments. Thus; this amendments should be withdrawn instantly. Furthermore; they said we shall not allow the non-skilled people to treat the sick patient in an improper way. They have stressed the government to withdraw this notification soon as possible.