The pharmacy act is being reviewed and changed in the country to ensure that qualified druggists can do the business, secretary health Syed Anwar Mehmood said on Monday.
Short courses would also be introduced for the druggists aiming to enhance their professional abilities. There were around 60,000 druggists in the country out of which only 8,000 are qualified ones, he told PTV.
He said Rs 2.75 billion special Hepatitis Presentation Programme has been launched across the country. Vaccination of vulnerable groups has been ensured. Screening facility is being provided to the hepatitis patients at every district hospital level.
According to the programme 50,000 hepatitis patients from across the country would be treated every year. Also a pilot project would soon be launched in 100 schools of Islamabad to vaccinate the students for hepatitis presentation once a year.
The number of drug courts was being enhanced up to an efficient level in a bid to cope with the culprits effectively. There are only 60 drug inspectors in Punjab. Their number is also being enhanced for ensuring effective checking.
Drugs Regulatory Authority has also been established in the country. Strict penalties have also been introduced for anti-state elements. Country' s medical equipment exports have almost been doubled during the last three to four years due to prudent and consistent policies. Maximum facilities would be provided to local pharmaceutical companies in their bid to enhance exports further, he added.