ISLAMABAD: The Federal Health Secretary has encouraged citizens to ask paracetamol rather than Panadol from pharmacies.
Attending a meeting of the Standing Committee of the National Assembly (NA) on National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination, the federal health secretary made the recommendation.
The Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination instructed the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) to ensure a sufficient supply of paracetamol and anti-snake venom throughout the country, particularly in flood-affected areas. The committee has ordered punitive measures against anyone implicated in hoarding or ceasing production of paracetamol.
The committee was informed that the pharmaceutical industry requested a price hike for paracetamol, but the federal cabinet denied its proposal. The Special Secretary of the Ministry of Health advised vigilance about the distribution of medicines, particularly in flood-affected regions. He reported that the government has already received a large quantity of paracetamol from foreign governments.
Dr Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro stated that there is a need to raise awareness about paracetamol and that residents should request paracetamol rather than Panadol since paracetamol is a formula and Panadol is a trademark. DRAP CEO Dr Asim Rauf 85 per cent of paracetamol's basic materials are manufactured domestically, while 15 per cent are imported; pharmacies sell paracetamol at varying prices.