Fake medicines: Supreme Court directs DRAP to submit report within 15 days

The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) to submit its report within 15 days about investigations against fake medicines and use of spurious medicines in hospitals. A three-member bench, headed by Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar, also ordered the Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan to call a meeting of judges of drug courts.
The DRAP officials who appeared before the court requested for an early disposal of cases in the drug courts. The court summoned the director general of Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) in a case pertaining to pharmaceutical factories producing counterfeit drugs. The complaint was lodged by the DRAP with the Supreme Court's Human Rights Cell against Everest Pharmaceuticals for manufacturing fake drugs.
The complaint said that owner of the Everest Company Chaudhry Usman used his connections and influence to harass DRAP staff. During the hearing, the Chief Justice said that National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and the FIA would not be allowed to interfere into the investigations against DRAP Punjab. A report prepared by the FIA in the fake medicines case was also submitted to the court.
The Chief Justice noted that that RPO Bahawalpur who pressurized DRAP officers has been deemed to be innocent. "Did the DG FIA investigate the matter himself?" he questioned and summoned the official before the court. The deputy attorney general informed the court that a challan in the case has also been submitted. He said that according to the challan, factory owner Chaudhry Usman has been held responsible.
The DRAP chief executive officer (CEO) apprised the court that three cases were registered against Chaudhry Usman. He said that the DRAP has so far conducted 1,217 inspections and sealed 195 factories. He said inquiry against those who are making fake medicines has only been possible due to the apex court's orders. He said that unregistered medicines were provided to Sindh and Punjab. He said that 143 medicines of Everest Pharma were proven to be a fake and unregistered, while its customs clearance was also a fake.