Sindh health minister pledges pharmacy reforms to fight AMR 

KARACHI: Underscoring the factors contributing to Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), including over-the-counter sale of antibiotics, unnecessary prescriptions, and self-medication, Sindh Caretaker Health Minister Dr Saad Khalid Niaz pledged to implementing crucial reforms to drug sale rules across the province.

Addressing the oath-taking ceremony for the newly-elected office-bearers of the Pakistan Pharmacist Association (PPA) Sindh, Dr Niaz expressed determination to reshape the "medical store" culture in Sindh, making it mandatory for pharmacies selling prescription medicines to have a qualified pharmacist on staff.

Despite the limited time left for the caretaker setup, he assured that reforms would be introduced to ensure pharmacies operate with trained professionals and prohibit the over-the-counter sale of antibiotics.

The event, attended by pharmacists, pharmaceutical industry representatives, and academia, featured speakers such as Syed Adnan Rizvi, the newly-elected president of PPA Sindh, and Prof Fayyaz Vaid, Dean of Pharmacy at the University of Karachi.

The speakers stressed the urgent need for reforms in the pharmaceutical sector to address the lack of discipline, resulting in the rise of multi-drug-resistant diseases.

Dr Niaz urged pharmacists to prevent license misuse and encouraged cooperation with government and regulatory bodies to enforce laws. He supported the idea of having at least one pharmacist in every 50-bed health facility, both in government and private healthcare settings.

Adnan Rizvi, the newly-elected PPA president, outlined the association's manifesto, focusing on improving the working environment and professional capacity building for pharmacists. He called on the pharmaceutical industry to provide better working conditions and competitive salary packages to retain young graduates and prevent a "brain drain."

Prof Vaid emphasized improved coordination between educational institutions and the pharmaceutical industry.

The ceremony concluded with a call for continued collaboration among stakeholders to enhance the pharmaceutical sector, address Antimicrobial Resistance, and ensure the availability of safe and effective medicines to the public.