The district administration of Attock has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring safe, legal, and quality medical facilities for its citizens. This follows a high-level meeting chaired by Additional Deputy Commissioner General (ADC-G) Attock, Anil Saeed, who reviewed actions against the sale of illegal and prohibited medicines across the district.
High-Level Meeting on Medicine Regulation
The meeting was attended by Medical Superintendent of District Headquarters Hospital Attock, Dr. Jawad Elahi, Deputy District Health Officers, District Drug Controller, concerned officers of the Health Department, and representatives from other relevant institutions. The session focused on three key issues: the sale of illegal and unregistered medicines, measures to ensure overall medicine quality, and the effectiveness of ongoing inspections.
During the meeting, concerned officers briefed the chair on the current situation regarding illegal medical stores, the purchase and sale of prohibited medicines, and inspection activities being carried out in different tehsils. They highlighted ongoing legal proceedings against violators and the challenges faced during field operations. Officials also informed the meeting about the progress of current crackdowns and steps being taken to identify medical stores and clinics involved in selling expired, unregistered, or banned drugs.
Zero Tolerance Policy Emphasized
Addressing the meeting, ADC-G Anil Saeed made it clear that the Punjab government's instructions will be implemented strictly in Attock district under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner Attock, Dr. Mudassar Ahmed Shah. He emphasized that the district is following a zero tolerance policy against the sale and supply of illegal and prohibited medicines.
“No concession will be made to those who play with the lives of the people,” Anil Saeed said. “Strict legal action will be taken against the elements guilty of violating the law without any discrimination.”
Regular Inspections and Coordinated Operations
The ADC-G directed the District Drug Controller and Health Department officers to conduct regular inspections of medical stores, clinics, and other health centers across the district. He stressed the need to stop the sale of illegal medicines and to ensure that expired and prohibited drugs are removed from the market at all costs. The meeting decided to make joint operations against the supply of illegal medicines more effective by enhancing coordination between the Health Department, Drug Control Administration, and district administration.
ADC-G Anil Saeed said that providing quality, safe, and legal medical facilities to citizens is the top priority of the Punjab government. To achieve this goal, he added, all relevant departments will continue to take cooperative measures to provide a safe medical environment to the public.
Public Awareness and Reporting Mechanism
“People have the right to access medicines that are safe, registered, and dispensed through legal channels,” he noted. “Our responsibility is to ensure that no one is put at risk due to substandard or illegal drugs.” The meeting reiterated the administration’s commitment to ensuring the rule of law in the health sector in Attock district. Officials agreed that indiscriminate action will continue against individuals and groups involved in illegal activities related to medicines.
It was also decided that all relevant institutions will continue to carry out their responsibilities in an effective and coordinated manner to protect the lives and property of the public. Health officials said that regular monitoring, surprise inspections, and public awareness campaigns will be part of the strategy moving forward. The administration has also urged citizens to report any medical store or clinic found selling illegal, expired, or unregistered medicines so that immediate action can be taken.
Eliminating the Black Market
With this renewed push, the district administration aims to eliminate the black market for medicines in Attock and ensure that patients receive treatment with drugs that meet safety and quality standards. The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue strict enforcement and public engagement to safeguard public health.
