LAHORE: The District Health Authority, Lahore, has issued strict directives to all licensed drug distributors and authorized agents of pharmaceutical manufacturers and importers in Gulberg Town, requiring them to notify the Drug Inspector prior to selling essential medicines at revised prices.
According to the official letter issued by Waleed Javaid, Drug Inspector (Licensed Distributors) for Gulberg Town, no distributor or importer is allowed to increase the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) of essential drugs or biological products without prior written approval from the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP).
Citing the Drug Pricing Policy of DRAP and Section 12 of the Drug Act 1976, the letter emphasizes that only the federal government holds the authority to fix or revise MRPs. Any unauthorized price increase is considered a violation of the Drug Act 1976 and DRAP Act 2012, and strict action may be taken against violators.
“All licensed distributors and agents are hereby directed to demand a valid approval letter from manufacturers or importers issued by DRAP before initiating any sale at the revised MRP,” the notice states.
The directive also includes a model list of essential medicines identified by DRAP. Distributors have been warned not to sell any medicines from this list at increased prices unless proper approval has been secured in advance.
The notification has also been forwarded to the Chief Drug Controller, Punjab for further advice and information.
This move is seen as a step toward curbing the unauthorized and exploitative pricing of life-saving medicines, and ensuring public access to affordable healthcare.
