The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan has imposed an immediate ban on the sale and use of three medicines after declaring specific batches counterfeit. The move is part of an ongoing nationwide crackdown against fake and substandard drugs, which authorities say pose serious risks to public health and patient safety across the country.
According to DRAP, rapid alerts were issued following laboratory testing that confirmed the medicines were not genuine. The Central Drug Laboratory in Karachi and the Drug Testing Laboratory in Punjab jointly identified the counterfeit products during routine surveillance and quality checks carried out under existing drug safety regulations.
The banned medicines include Taskeen Dard tablets, Batch 091, and Pain-Nil tablets, Batch 01. DRAP stated that both products were unlawfully manufactured and distributed by Leo Healthcare Lab and Hakeem Purana Dawakhana in Karachi. Investigations revealed that both facilities were operating without valid drug manufacturing licenses.
In a separate development, DRAP also declared Batch No. 251986 of Duphalac syrup counterfeit. Duphalac is a widely used medicine prescribed for stomach-related ailments and digestive issues. Authorities noted that the fake syrup carried the address of Abbott Pharma Canada on its label.
However, DRAP clarified that the legitimate manufacturer has completely denied any link to the affected batch. Officials said the use of a well-known pharmaceutical brand’s name on counterfeit products is a common tactic used by illegal manufacturers to mislead consumers and healthcare providers.
Warning that counterfeit medicines can endanger lives and compromise medical treatment, DRAP has directed its enforcement teams to trace supply chains, remove fake products from the market, and seize the identified batches. The authority urged pharmacies, hospitals, and the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious medicines immediately.
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