Antibiotics Can Only Be Sold With Prescription From a Licensed Doctor: DRAP

The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has introduced a new measure requiring that antibiotics be sold only with a prescription from a licensed medical professional. The directive has been sent to health departments across all four provinces, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT).

DRAP officials announced on Friday that the advisory aims to combat the rising threat of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and curb the dangerous trend of self-medication.

They warned that self-medication could result in the misuse and overuse of antibiotics, worsening resistance and diminishing the effectiveness of crucial medications.

Data from the local pharmaceutical industry shows that Pakistan consumed antibiotics worth approximately Rs. 135 billion in 2022. A major issue is the irrational use of these antibiotics, with 70% to 80% being prescribed and used unnecessarily for self-limiting conditions, contributing significantly to the threat of AMR.

“It has been observed that the sale of antibiotics without a prescription in LMICs, including Pakistan, has led to misuse, overuse, and abuse through self-medication,” DRAP Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Asim Rauf told a national daily.

The DRAP chief pointed out that, just as antibiotics and antibacterials are regulated worldwide and sold only with a prescription, Pakistan must follow suit to address the issues of self-medication and misuse.

He also announced plans to work with the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) and healthcare commissions across the country to address and take action against healthcare professionals who are prescribing antibiotics improperly or for personal gain.

The DRAP chief also stated that the pharmaceutical industry will be held accountable, and strict measures will be enforced against those providing incentives for inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions.