The Ministry of National Health Services has banned the sale of medicines at registered clinics in Islamabad unless they have a valid drug sale license.
The decision follows a ruling by the Constitutional Court. Health authorities have also announced plans to take action against illegal medical stores and pharmacies operating in the federal capital.
The ministry has issued instructions to relevant departments to ensure that clinics and pharmacies follow drug sale regulations.
Doctors cannot sell medicines at their clinics without obtaining the required licence. Even registered clinics are required to meet the legal requirements before offering medicines to patients.
Health authorities issue strict instructions
Sardar Shabbir Ahmed, Secretary of the Quality Control Board and Senior Drug Inspector at the Islamabad Health Department, issued a letter explaining the new instructions.
The letter was sent to the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory Authority (IHRA) and District Health Officer (DHO).
It stated that selling medicines at a registered clinic without a valid drug sale licence is a legal offence.
Clinics with the required licences may continue selling medicines, but only within the limits allowed under the relevant regulations.
Registered doctors have also been directed to obtain drug sale licences before selling medicines at their clinics.
Meanwhile, medicine distributors have been instructed not to supply medicines to unauthorised pharmacies operating inside clinics.
Authorities have been asked to take action against anyone involved in illegal medicine sales.
Recently, the court clarified that registered doctors may prescribe medicines and provide them directly to their own patients as part of treatment.
However, they cannot operate a commercial medical store or retail pharmacy without a licence under the Drugs Act, 1976. Being a registered doctor does not remove this requirement.
The health department has also directed pharmacy services and drug control teams to enforce the rules.
Registered clinics, medical stores and pharmacies across Islamabad will be closely monitored.
10 telemedicine dispensaries established
Previously, Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal announced that the federal government has established 10 telemedicine dispensaries to improve access to healthcare.
The new dispensaries will remain open from morning until 8:00pm, allowing patients to receive medical services for longer hours. Kamal said the government also plans to equip these facilities with more advanced technology later.