Medical store owners call off strike after talks with Punjab govt

LAHORE: The owners of medical stores and pharmaceutical companies in Punjab have agreed to end their strike after they reached an agreement with the provincial government on Wednesday evening.

Law Minister Rana Sanaullah, speaking at a press conference together with representatives from pharmaceutical companies here, said that a committee to oversee amendments in the Drug Act 1976 has been formed.

He announced that a consensus on various issues has been reached with representatives of the pharma companies.

Pharma companies have agreed to support the campaign against counterfeit drugs, he added.

“We want to eliminate fake drugs from Punjab. It is our responsibility to ensure provision of quality medicines to people,” said health minister Khawaja Salman Rafique, who was also present alongside Sanaullah.

Government held talks with pharma companies earlier as well, said the Law minister, adding that negotiations with stakeholders over the matter of billing are often held.

President Chemist Association Chaudhry Nisar announced that pharma companies have decided to end the strike after successful negotiations with provincial authorities.

He also agreed to extend full cooperation to the government.

The owners of pharma companies and medical stores in Punjab had been protesting against recent amendments made in the Drug Act aimed at tightening rules for medical stores.