Punjab bans over-the-counter antibiotics

LAHORE: In a proactive move to curb the excessive use of antibiotics, the Punjab government has banned the sale of these drugs without prescriptions across the province.

The decision was made during a recent meeting presided over by Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Imran Nazir.

The Drug Quality Control Board decided to implement the ban, requiring that antibiotics be sold only with a doctor's prescription.

The Punjab Healthcare Commission will consult with the Drug Regulatory Authority Pakistan (Drap) on the decision. 

The Drug Control Wing, Healthcare Commission, and Drap will submit their recommendations in this regard within seven days.