Punjab faces asthma inhalers ‘shortage’

Minister warns action against people behind shortage of life saving medicines

LAHORE:

Provincial Health Minister, Imran Nazir, has vowed strict action against those causing a shortage of medicines, particularly asthma inhalers, across Punjab.

Nazir summoned the representatives of pharmaceutical companies and distributors to discuss the urgent resolution of the shortage of Ventolin inhalers.

Nazir instructed the Drug Control Wing to launch a crackdown on individuals responsible for the shortage, emphasising the gravity of the situation and the necessity of ensuring the availability of life-saving drugs.

He emphasised full cooperation between Punjab Police and the Drug Control Wing to combat drug hoarding and shortages, with directives to file FIRs against those involved in such practices.

During the meeting, Nazir also reviewed the operations and performance of the Provincial Quality Control Board (PQCB), urging expedited resolution of pending cases related to counterfeit medicines.

Officials provided an update on the availability of Ventolin inhalers, with a total of 328,165 units in central warehouses across both the Department of Primary and Secondary Health Care, and the Department of Specialized Health Care.

Nazir said action against pending cases related to counterfeit medicines underscores the government's commitment to ensuring the availability of essential pharmaceuticals, particularly during times of shortage.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 25^th, 2024.