KARACHI: Chairman of the Consumers Association of Pakistan (CAP), Kaukab Iqbal, has raised serious concerns over the unchecked online sale of unregistered medicines and the unsafe disposal of hazardous hospital waste, calling both issues a major threat to public health and safety.
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In a statement issued on Wednesday, he criticised the performance of the Sindh Healthcare Commission, questioning its response to illegal medical practices and the growing presence of dangerous medicines being sold ??? websites, social media platforms, and online marketplaces.
Kaukab Iqbal warned that fake, substandard, expired, and unregistered medicines are being openly marketed online, exposing consumers to risks including treatment failure, poisoning, and potentially life-threatening complications. He cautioned that without strict enforcement, thousands could fall victim to fraudulent and unsafe medical products.
He urged the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) to immediately launch a nationwide crackdown against illegal online medicine sellers and take decisive legal action against those involved. He also called on the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority to block all digital platforms facilitating the sale of unauthorized medicines.
Highlighting another pressing concern, the CAP chairman drew attention to the improper disposal of hospital waste, demanding transparency from the health authorities regarding how and where infectious and hazardous materials are being managed. He stressed that unsafe handling of medical waste, including used syringes and contaminated equipment, could spread deadly diseases and severely harm the environment.
Calling for urgent reforms, Kaukab Iqbal demanded strict inspections of healthcare facilities, accountability of negligent officials, and immediate enforcement of health and environmental regulations. He warned that continued inaction would leave consumers across Pakistan exposed to serious and preventable dangers
