The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has decided to train hundreds of pharmacists nationwide to curb self-medication, combat the rising threat of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) due to the overuse of antibiotics, and monitor adverse drug reactions, officials announced on Wednesday.
This decision follows studies revealing that about 76% of university students in Islamabad engage in self-medication for “convenience and the perceived minor nature of their ailments.” In contrast, a community-based study in Karachi found that around 63% of respondents practiced self-medication, with analgesics, antipyretics, and antibiotics being the most commonly used drugs.
“Today, DRAP and the Pakistan Pharmacists Association (PPA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to train pharmacists across Pakistan to enhance the quality of medicines, eliminate self-medication, and address AMR,” Sardar Shabbir Ahmed, President of PPA, told The News.
The MoU was signed by Asim Rauf, CEO of DRAP, and Sardar Shabbir Ahmed, following approval from the Executive Council of PPA and DRAP.
“This MoU will enhance the technical capacity of pharmacists in various domains of the healthcare system,” Sardar Shabbir stated.
He added that PPA will organize seminars, workshops, and symposiums for capacity-building, while DRAP will provide technical resources.
“Pharmacists in Pakistan play a crucial role in the healthcare system, including manufacturing quality-assured therapeutic goods, managing their supply chain, and dispensing,” he said, noting their clinical role in optimizing patient outcomes and monitoring adverse drug reactions through Pharmacovigilance.
“The PPA’s main goal is to improve pharmacists’ knowledge and has organized events in collaboration with DRAP to enhance pharmaceutical quality and professional handling,” Sardar Shabbir added.
