Staff Reporter
The Punjab government’s recent crackdown on alternative medicine industry has caused unrest among the stakeholders and shaken confidence of the entire industry.
Addressing a press briefing Dr Zubair Quershi said that there is a huge pendency of pending application of Form-7 with the DRAP, which adding fuel to the fire, forcing the stakeholders to move court of law to get relief.
Drug Law & Alternative Medicine & Rules Expert, Mr. Khalid Mehmood said that through Alternative Medicines and Health Products (Enlistment) Rules, 2014, SRO. 412 notified in 2014, this sector was regulated for the first time in Pakistan.
Unfortunately, the manufacturer of this traditional system of treatment was introduced with the power of regulator for the first time.
The situation becomes worst due to so-called association of manufacturer who are unable to present their issues to DRAP.
Moreover, due to non-continuity of Directors in H & OTC Directorate, slow issuance of Form-7, was also the problem.
He said that stay orders against the crackdown is a limited edition and cannot be granted for a longer period of time.
Dr Zubair Quershi, Chairman of Society of Homoeopath, which is the oldest association of Pakistan, said, that the stakeholders & regulator should try to develop some comfort Zone for business.
However, the Punjab government should understand the problem of this newly regulated sector & may give lenient view to stakeholders.
