Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute (PKLI) Under Strict Scrutiny While No Notice of Medical Stores Closed In Punjab
Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute (PKLI) Under Strict Scrutiny While No Notice of Medical Stores Closed In Punjab: Supreme Court of Pakistan has taken strict notice of high salaries given to PKLI employees. The Chief Justice of Pakistan while hearing a case pursued complete report, along with a list of doctors hired under the PKLI detailing their salaries and privileges.
The CJP observed that PKLI appointing its doctors at a heavy salary of Rs.1.5 million each. Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute had come under strict scrutiny after it was observed that the salaries of doctors employed there varied greatly from those of working at government hospitals.
The Chief Justice compared the salaries of both, remarked that PKLI pays its doctors a high wage of Rs. 1.5 million, as compared to doctors appointed at government hospitals who get paid Rs. 0.2 million.
On the other hand patients are suffering due to closure of medical stores in Punjab. Local medical stores remained closed on the 4th consecutive day of strike forced by Pakistan Chemists and Druggist Association (PCDA) against Punjab Drug Act 2017.
The government-proposed amendment in the Drug Act, has led to closure of medical stores in various cities across Punjab, including Multan, Gujranwala, Kabirwala, Rajanpur, Mandi Bahauddin, Jhang and Bahawalpur.
Punjab Drug Act 2017 amendment that has caused resistance from medical shop owners had previously declared it mandatory for every medical shop to seat a certified pharmacist at all times, including maintenance of hygiene at all stores, failing which will subject them to heavy penalties.
The amendment also announced increased penalties in case of fake medicine’s sales, leading to 3-10 years of imprisonment for manufacturing and selling unlicensed drugs that includes a fine of Rs.50 million.
Drug Act 1976 is an act to regulate the import, export, manufacture, storage, distribution and sale of drugs. On an honest note this regulatory check seems fair as it will bring original medicines in the market and will upgrade the quality of pharmacy but government should start communicating with the pharmacists to resolve the matter as soon as possible before Supreme Court takes suo-moto notice of this issue as well.
For More Information & Videos Subscribe To Our YouTube Channel