Punjab bans private pharmacies in govt hospitals

LAHORE: The Punjab government has ordered the immediate shutdown of all private pharmacies operating within government teaching hospitals. The Specialized Healthcare Department issued a directive, declaring such operations unlawful, and instructed vice chancellors, principals, deans, and medical superintendents to submit compliance reports by October 1.

Authorities have raised concerns over the presence of private pharmacies near public hospitals, alleging involvement in offering commissions to doctors and manipulating medicine quotas. This new order follows previous restrictions on the internal supply of medicines and procurement from external vendors.

With this new measure, all private medical outlets within government hospital premises are required to cease operations, aiming to improve transparency and reduce malpractice.