Punjab Orders Closure of Private Pharmacies in Government Hospitals
LAHORE: The Specialized Healthcare Department has issued directives for the immediate closure of private medical stores operating within government teaching hospitals, declaring their presence unauthorized.
In an official circular addressed to vice chancellors, principals, deans, and medical superintendents, the department instructed that all compliance reports must be submitted by October 1.
Background of the Decision
Health authorities have previously raised concerns that private pharmacies near or within public hospitals were creating irregularities in the medicine supply chain, including issues related to commissions and quota allocation.
Stricter Controls on Medicine Supply
Earlier, the department had already placed restrictions on the internal distribution of medicines and limited procurement from external vendors. With this new order, all private pharmacies inside government hospital premises are now required to shut down immediately.
The move is seen as part of the provincial government’s broader effort to strengthen regulation of the healthcare system and ensure transparency in the availability of medicines at public hospitals.
