Sale of substandard medicines is on the rise without any check in Multan region, including Vehari, Mailsi and many others districts of south Punjab.
Sources in the district health department has claimed that about 60 percent medical store owners sell fake, substandard and expired medicines despite knowing the fact that they are spreading various dangerous diseases.
It has also been learnt that these medical stores buy low-priced Chinese and local medicines from Lahore and sell them at exorbitant rates showing them as genuine ones. Moreover, it is a very tragic and shameful reality that these medical stores have become drug dens as tincture, sleeping pills and tranquillisers can be purchased from these stores by the people of all ages.
The price of a tincture bottle is about Rs 15 to Rs 20 in the wholesale market but it is usually sold for Rs 60 to Rs 80 at these medical stores. However, a health department spokesman claimed they would take strict action on pubic complaints.
Social and medical circles of the district have demanded strict action against unauthorised medical stores and curb on the sale of fake and substandard medicines. They have also demanded cancellation of licenses of those who are playing with the lives of the people.