DRAP intervenes to eliminate shortage of medicines

ISLAMABAD: With the number of registered cases in Pakistan surpassing 100,000, the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) issued show-cause notices to 15 pharmaceutical companies. 

As per sources, a show-cause notice was issued owing to failure to manufacture the most frequently prescribed medication for COVID-19 patients, paracetamol, which has vanished from many pharmacies and was apparently being sold illegally.

Concerning the market's lack of paracetamol, a DRAP official speaking on condition of anonymity claimed demand had grown due to an increase in dengue cases. While the dengue season was drawing close, demand climbed further because of a new COVID-19 variant for which paracetamol was recommended to practically every patient.

The official stated that 15 companies were served with show-cause warnings for refusing to manufacture the treatment despite possessing permits. Additionally, he added that the enterprises that did not halt production were directed to increase supplies.