Authorities Uncover Widespread Sale of Counterfeit Medicines in Sindh

In a recent crackdown, Sindh health authorities have exposed the alarming distribution of counterfeit medicines across the province. Drug inspectors confiscated various medications, including antibiotics, children’s syrups, and sleeping pills, which were later confirmed as fake by the Sindh Drug Testing Laboratory. Shockingly, investigations revealed that the seven companies associated with these drugs—East Pharma Lahore, Meraz Pharma Kasur, Brom Pharma Lahore, Minacline Pharma Karachi, Puram Pharma Peshawar, Alpine Laboratories Karachi, and Multicare Pharma Karachi—do not exist.

Adnan Rizvi, head of the Sindh Drug Testing Laboratory, stated that tests showed these medications lacked essential active ingredients, rendering them ineffective and potentially harmful. He emphasized that consuming such counterfeit drugs poses severe health risks, as patients may experience worsening conditions or even fatalities due to ineffective treatment.

Further investigations revealed that the addresses listed on these fake medicines pointed to locations in Karachi, Shikarpur, Sukkur, Sheikhupura, and Hayatabad. However, upon inspection, no pharmaceutical companies were found at these addresses. Coordination with the Punjab Drug Administration confirmed that no such companies existed at the mentioned locations.

Rizvi urged citizens to purchase medications only from registered pharmacies to avoid counterfeit products. He also highlighted the need for a dedicated enforcement force to take swift action against such fraudulent activities, noting that currently, they rely on law enforcement agencies for support.

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