16 Medicines Declared Substandard or Fake in Punjab

Sixteen different medicines have been found to be substandard or fake in various parts of Punjab. During inspections in Lahore and other areas of the province, samples of medicines were collected from different medical stores and sent to drug testing laboratories.

According to laboratory reports, specific batches of several medicines were found to be substandard, adulterated or counterfeit. The affected medicines include treatments for asthma and allergies, blood clot prevention, vitamin B deficiency, neurological problems and muscle spasms.

A respiratory and cough syrup was also found to contain harmful chemicals above the permitted limit.

A lumpy skin vaccine used for animals and a medicine for various bacterial infections were also declared substandard or fake. Meanwhile, two batches of injections used to treat inflammation and severe allergic reactions have been withheld pending further investigation.

Authorities have directed that the sale and use of the affected medicines be stopped immediately.