The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan DRAP has taken strict notice of the online sale and advertisement of illegal medicines in the country.
DRAP has requested the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority to block relevant websites and social media pages involved in the online promotion and illegal sale of medicines.
In the request, DRAP has also identified several online platforms involved in selling medicines.
According to DRAP, the online sale of smuggled medicines from India and Iran has also been uncovered, while the sale of unregistered and smuggled medicines has been declared a threat to public health.
Authorities have expressed concern over the advertisement of medicines on social media and websites without prescription, stating that the online sale of medicines related to sexual health, weight loss and mental disorders is illegal.
The authority said that social media advertisements are encouraging self medication, while the promotion and sale of medicines without approval is a violation of drug laws. According to DRAP, substandard medicines can cause serious side effects and life threatening complications.
DRAP officials have made prior approval for advertisements mandatory and warned that in case of violations, fines, confiscation of medicines and legal action will be taken.
Furthermore, DRAP has urged PTA to immediately remove advertisements of illegal medicines with the cooperation of social media companies, while the public has been advised to avoid purchasing medicines from unverified online sources.
