ISLAMABAD: The sale of medicines without a valid licence has been banned in Islamabad, with authorities warning that action will be taken against clinics, pharmacies and medical stores found violating the requirement.
The Secretary Drug Quality Control Islamabad has issued a directive to relevant federal departments, stating that the ban has been imposed in light of a decision by the Constitutional Court.
According to the directive, clinics, pharmacies and medical stores operating without the required licences have been instructed to obtain them without delay.
Distributors have also been directed not to supply medicines to clinics that do not hold valid sales licences.
The directive further states that healthcare facilities providing medicines on a small scale against doctors’ prescriptions will not be exempt from the licensing requirement.
Copies of the directive have also been sent to the Healthcare Regulatory Authority, Islamabad Health Department and PM&DC for implementation and compliance.
Authorities have emphasized that all relevant healthcare establishments and medicine suppliers must comply with the licensing requirements, with violations subject to regulatory action.