ISLAMABAD - An Inter-Provincial Health Ministers’ Conference, chaired by Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal on Friday, resulted in decisive action against counterfeit and substandard medicines across Pakistan.
Joined by provincial health ministers and DRAP officials, the meeting culminated in the revival of the National Task Force 2025 and the launch of a nationwide enforcement campaign starting May 19. The operation will involve federal and provincial coordination, including Customs and FIA, targeting pharmaceutical factories, distribution networks, and retail outlets.
Minister Kamal declared to issue a ‘national emergency’, emphasizing that public safety and trust are non-negotiable. Surprise inspections, legal action against violators, and stricter monitoring will be central to the crackdown. To enhance public involvement, DRAP will launch a mobile app offering real-time barcode verification of medicines, reporting tools for fake drugs, and notifications of shortages or adverse reactions.
“This is more than enforcement — it’s a national movement,” Kamal stated, pledging systemic reform to ensure the safety and reliability of all medicines across Pakistan.
