PMA Lahore Raises Concern Over Incomplete Drug Information on DRAP Website

LAHORE: The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) Lahore has expressed serious concern over what it described as incomplete and inadequate information available on the website of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), according to a report by 24NewsHD TV.

In a press statement, PMA Lahore President Prof. Dr. Shahid Malik pointed out that the DRAP website lacks critical details regarding the availability and non-availability of medicines, as well as information about pharmacies and their locations in different cities where these drugs can be obtained.

He said the absence of such essential data deprives the public of timely and accurate guidance, especially during medical emergencies. Citing an example, Prof. Malik noted that immunoglobulin used in dog-bite cases is currently available at a private pharmacy opposite Services Hospital in Lahore, but this crucial information is not reflected on the DRAP website.

As a result, patients and their attendants are forced to face mental distress, physical exhaustion, and unnecessary delays while searching for life-saving medicines, he added.

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The PMA president stressed that if the DRAP website clearly indicated whether a drug is available or unavailable, along with city-wise details of relevant pharmacies, it would greatly ease the burden on patients, attendants, and healthcare providers.

Prof. Malik further said that unless complete information on drug availability, non-availability, and pharmacy locations across various cities is incorporated into the system, the objective of providing comprehensive public information would remain unmet.

He demanded that DRAP ensure full transparency by making detailed, city-wise information on medicine availability and concerned pharmacies publicly accessible.