LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif reiterated his government’s resolve to eliminate spurious and substandard drugs across the province.
He asked for speedy implementation of zero tolerance policy for the culprits involved in the odious business. He stated this while presiding over a meeting to review the progress of campaign launched for the elimination of spurious and substandard drugs in the province.
The chief minister said strict punishment was being ensured and heavy fines to be imposed on those who indulged in the manufacturing and selling of counterfeit medicines. “Quality medicines is right of every citizen and we will leave no stone unturned to provide our people with their rights,” he said.
In this regard, he said the Punjab government was introducing a modern system of procurement, supply and distribution of medicines. Also latest drug testing lab had been established in Lahore whereas labs in other five cities were in upgrading process, he added.
The chief minister also directed to ensure swift appointment of qualified professionals in Lahore Drug Testing Lab and to send medicines samples to world’s best testing labs. He said menace of bogus drugs should be eliminated from the province at any cost. All the concerned departments have to work with full devotion to nip this evil in the bud, he added. Provincial ministers Khawaja Salman Rafique, Khawaja Imran Nazir, Adviser Dr Umer Saif, and authorities concerned attended the meeting.
