Lahore, September 2025 – The Punjab government has taken a strict step to regulate the health sector by banning private pharmacies operating inside government teaching hospitals. The Specialized Healthcare Department declared their presence illegal and has ordered their immediate shutdown.
What Has Been Ordered?
In a circular issued to vice chancellors, principals, deans, and medical superintendents, the department directed:
- Immediate closure of all private medical stores inside hospitals.
- Compliance reports to be submitted by October 1, 2025.
Why Were Private Pharmacies Banned?
Officials explained the decision was taken due to multiple concerns:
- Private pharmacies were allegedly offering commissions to doctors.
- Reports of medicine quota manipulation had surfaced.
- Unregulated sales inside hospitals were creating conflicts of interest.
Previous Restrictions Already in Place
The healthcare department had earlier:
- Limited the internal supply of medicines.
- Restricted procurement from external vendors.
- Warned hospital administrations about irregular practices.
With this fresh order, all private outlets within hospital premises must now close without delay.
What This Means for Patients
- Patients will now rely only on official hospital pharmacies.
- Authorities say this will ensure fair distribution of medicines.
- The move aims to end profiteering and increase transparency in the healthcare system.
Final Words
By banning private pharmacies inside government hospitals, Punjab has made a decisive move against malpractice and corruption in the health sector. The coming weeks will show how effectively the ban is implemented and whether it improves patient access to affordable medicines.
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