Medical Store or Pharmacy Registration in Pakistan

The medical industry is an important field of business not just in Pakistan, but around the world. Medicines are always in high demand here, and this line of business has great potential. In 2017, Punjab made important legal reforms to address the problem of spurious, adulterated and substandard drugs. The reforms included a new definition of substandard drugs, as well as new offences and penalties.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS FOR A MEDICAL STORE OR PHARMACY IN PAKISTAN

Before a pharmacy or medical store can be established in Pakistan, a license must be granted by the Secretary of the District Health Authority. This license will not be granted until an inspection of the premises has been conducted and an inspection report has been issued. After the inspection report has been issued, the licensing authority will issue a license for the pharmacy or medical store.

The difference between a pharmacy and a medical store is that a pharmacy must have a pharmacist present to supervise the sale of certain drugs that require a prescription. Thus, a medical store can only retain, stock, and sell such medicines which do not require a prescription. A pharmacy or medical store license, as the case may be, shall be issued by the licensing authority subject to the following conditions, amongst others: The premises must have a proper and adequate refrigerator facility and storage space for drugs; measures to ensure protection of drugs from direct sunlight, dust or dirt. The premises must not just be clean and tidy but drugs should be stored in hygienic condition. The pharmacy must fulfil the requirements detailed in the Drugs Laws and Rules.

The requirements for a pharmacy or medical store in terms of the size of the premises and the range of services offered must be met. However, it is important to note that the size of the premises for a pharmacy and medical store are different as specified under the law.

A person applying for registration must meet the qualification criteria set out in section 25 of the Pharmacy Act 1976. One of the key requirements is that each pharmacy must have a pharmacist available to supervise the sale of drugs.