A report of reaction to spurious drugs which killed over 74 patients in Punjab Institute of Cardiology has three aspects that needs thorough investigation. When, how and under which circumstance the drug was registered in the Ministry of Health at Islamabad, and by whose authority the drug was purchased in Punjab? When were the pharmaceutical companies under scrutiny inspected for Good Manufacturing Practices by the drug inspectors?
The heads of many important political, bureaucratic, and pharmaceutical industry will roll if the above-board investigation is carried out by an independent body. Mere targeting a few proprietors of pharmaceutical companies is not enough. In the ongoing case the major responsibility lies with the competent authority which approved the purchase of the drugs in question. Where does the thread end remains to be seen but many in the Punjab health ministry will be trembling from within.