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QUETTA, Jul 02 (APP):The Balochistan High Court on Tuesday asked the federal and provincial governments to devise a mechanism to regulate the herbal, homeopathic and alternate medicines in line with the international standards.
“Comprehensive rules should be formulated within the domain of the federal and provincial health officials concerned for immediate implementation, Balochistan High Court judgment read.
The decision surfaced during the hearing regarding the proper registration of alternative medicines and products, pricing, and the issuance of permanent licences instead of temporary licences (enlistment) to manufacturing units/importers for the availability of low-cost medicines in the market.
A two-member bench of the Balochistan High Court, consisting of Justice Muhammad Kamran Khan Mulakhail and Justice Iqbal Ahmed Kasi, heard the case.
The judges directed the Secretary of the Ministry of National Health Services Regulations and Coordination, Government of Pakistan, the Chief Executive Officer of DRAP, the Secretary of the Health Department, Government of Balochistan, the Chief Drug Inspector of Balochistan, and the Chairman of the Provincial Quality Control Board to convene a meeting by or before July 30, 2024.
“Provincial rules should also include details of alternative arrangements for hiring or recruiting qualified experts/pharmacists in the relevant field,” the division bench of the BHC said.
It stressed that DRAP, at the federal level and the Chief Drug Inspector, and the Chairman of the Provincial Quality Control Board at provincial level should expand their network, initially to bring the alternative medicines in comprehensive vigilance.
Besides, the registration process should begin within one month of receiving this order.
The judges of the two-member bench instructed the Additional Attorney General to send copies of this order to the Secretary of the Ministry of National Health Services Regulations and Coordination, Government of Pakistan, the Chief Executive Officer of DRAP, and the Advocate General/Additional Advocate General, the Secretary of the Health Department, Government of Balochistan, and the Chief Drug Inspector of Balochistan for information, action, and compliance.
Compliance reports from the federation and province should be submitted by July 22, 2024.
It may be recalled that the petitioner Talat Waheed Khan Advocate contended that there is no formula or procedure for pricing alternative medicines in the field.
Steroids are being used without caution, and no international protocols are being followed for medical procedures, decorum, and the manufacturing of such medicines.
“The use of alternative medicine, its manufacturing, and expiration date are completely missing in terms of gender. The Petitioner said, urging BHC to direct the policymakers and relevant authorities to look into this matter with extra caution and ensure adherence to international protocols.