'Amended drug act soon to stop irregularities in pharma sector'

The government is amending the existing drug act, introducing some provisions for tougher punishments and major penalties to prevent all kinds of irregularities and corruptions in pharmaceutical sector, Health and Family Welfare Minister Mohammed Nasim told parliament yesterday.

While replying to lawmakers' queries, Nasim informed the House that the proposed amendment is waiting for approval of the law ministry.

He further said that the ongoing drive against fake, substandard, expired and unregistered drugs would continue. Each district's Action Committee is working to ensure proper punishment for offenders, and thereby curbing irregularities in manufacture, import, export, distribution and sale of medicines, he added.