President Asif Ali Zardari has signed the Drug Regulatory Authority Bill criminalising the sale and manufacturing of spurious drugs.
According to the new bill, action would be taken against druggists involved in preparation of fake or poor quality medicine. He signed the bill at a ceremony at the Presidency on Monday.
President Zardari said the signing of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan Bill into law would ensure availability of safe and quality medical services to the people at affordable prices.
He said the credit went to the PPP to first promulgate the Drug Act 1976 and now setting up an authority in the country to keep a check on the sale and manufacturing of spurious drugs.
He said the authority would ensure protection of the interests of the people as well as that of the pharmaceutical industry.
He said the industry should seek to boost exports through standardisation and quality assurance.
The president noted that unanimous adoption of the law was a sign of wisdom and maturity of parliament‚ all political forces and the provincial governments.
After the president’s signature‚ the Drug Regulatory Authority has been officially set up. The new bill will protect rights of the patients.
