Counterfeit medicines: PM launches drive to eradicate black market

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday launched a bold drive to eradicate the lucrative and deadly black market for counterfeit medicines in the country, calling for urgent adoption of cutting-edge technology to tackle the growing menace.
Chairing a high-level meeting focusing on the Ministry of National Health, Sharif made it clear there will be no tolerance for substandard drugs putting lives at risk.
He urged pharmaceutical companies to seek accreditation from the World Health Organization (WHO). He said such recognition would raise the quality standards of Pakistani medicines and expand export opportunities.
Sharif also directed officials to develop a roadmap for collaboration between welfare organisations and the private sector to improve medical services in Islamabad.
He described providing top-quality healthcare to the public as a government priority.
The prime minister stressed the importance of third-party validation for medical colleges to ensure high standards of education, warning that no compromises would be tolerated. He reiterated that political interference in health sector reforms would not be accepted.
The Health Ministry officials briefed the prime minister on challenges facing the health sector and proposed sustainable solutions.
They revealed plans to fully digitalise the registration process for medicines and medical equipment by the end of next month.
Additionally, efforts are underway to integrate newly established basic health units, regional blood centres, and the Isolation Hospital and Infection Treatment Centre in Islamabad into the mainstream healthcare system with support from the country's affluent class.
In a separate meeting, Sharif reviewed progress on the Jinnah Medical Complex and Research Center project in Islamabad, stressing the need for transparency throughout all stages.
He described the complex as a future state-of-the-art hospital that will provide advanced medical services and research facilities to the region.
The meeting was told that promotional roadshows had been held in China, Turkey, South Korea, and Singapore, attracting interest from globally renowned companies. Two major conferences related to the project also saw participation from 33 companies across 10 countries.
The process to acquire 600 acres of land for the complex is reportedly progressing rapidly, with international advertisements placed to recruit experts and consultants.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025

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