The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has enacted a new rule requiring that antibiotics can only be sold with a prescription from a licensed doctor. This rule applies nationwide, including all provinces, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Islamabad Capital Territory.
The move aims to address the growing issue of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and reduce the risks associated with self-medication. Officials warned that misuse and overuse of antibiotics, which often happens when people self-medicate, can lead to reduced effectiveness of these drugs and worsen AMR.
In 2022, Pakistan’s consumption of antibiotics reached about Rs135 billion. Reports indicate that a large portion of these antibiotics—between 70% and 80%—were used for conditions that do not require them, further contributing to AMR concerns.
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The DRAP has emphasized that, like in many countries where antibiotics are sold only with prescriptions, Pakistan needs to implement similar measures to curb misuse.
The authority also plans to collaborate with the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) and other health organizations to take action against doctors who prescribe antibiotics improperly or for personal incentives. The pharmaceutical industry will also face scrutiny to prevent unethical practices.
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