Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif presided over a meeting to review progress of campaign launched for the elimination of spurious and substandard drugs in the province. CM has directed to speed up the pace of campaign and implement zero tolerance policy for the culprits involved in this odious business. CM has said that strict punishment is being ensured and heavy fines to be imposed on those who indulge in the manufacturing and selling of counterfeit medicines.

He said that quality medicines are right of every citizen and we will leave no stone unturned to provide our people with their rights. In this regard, Punjab government is introducing a modern system of procurement, supply and distribution of medicines. Also latest drug testing lab has been established in Lahore whereas labs in other five cities are in upgrading process.

CM 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 that menace of bogus drugs should be eliminated from the province at any cost. All concerned departments have to work with full devotion to nip this evil in the bud. Provincial Ministers Khawaja Salman Rafique, Khawaja Imran Nazir, Honorary Advisor Dr Umer Saif, Additional Chief Sectary, Sectary Law, Prosecution, Specialised Health and Medical Education, Primary & Secondary Health, VC King Edward Medical College, DG Punjab Forensic Science Agency and other concerned authorities attended the meeting.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2017