PPMA Fears Six-Day Eid Holiday Could Create Medicines’ Crisis In Pakistan

Karachi: The Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers’ Association (PPMA) has rejected the decision of the federal government to grant a six-day holiday on the upcoming occasion of Eid ul Fitr.

In a press statement, spokesman and former PPMA chairman Dr Kaiser Waheed said that the pharmaceutical industry should not be subjected to such a prolonged closure this year based on the Eid ul Fitr holidays.
He said that such a prolonged closure of the drug manufacturing units could create a crisis of medicines in the country amid a troubling third wave of coronavirus infections.

He said the manufacturing and supply of medicines was an essential national service as it should continue without any interruption.

“The production and supply of medicines should continue, especially when the country is battling a constant health crisis in the form of a deadly infectious disease,” he said.

Dr Waheed demanded that the government announce the normal three-day holiday, especially in essential services and industries, including drug manufacturers.

He said that such a decision would ensure an uninterrupted supply of medicines to the coronavirus patients being treated all over the country.