| It is a fact that many priorities are missing from our national healthcare system; regular availability of essential drugs is one of them. A deliberate shortage of essential medicines is like a professional crime frequently committed by license holders of pharmaceutical companies. The concerned health bodies like the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), the Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PPMA) and the Pharma Bureau (PB) and of course the clinicians too --become indifferent in hours of need. |
A drug called valproic acid, Epival, used by many thousand patients suffering from a common and major neurological disease called epilepsy has not been available in the market for the last 4 months. Clonazepam-Rivotril is another drug to treat epilepsy in children that is not available to those who badly need it. This overdue health issue needs quick action from the concerned personnel.
- MUKHTAR ALI TURI,
Parachinar
