Islamabad: The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has asked the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to block several websites and take action against social media pages involved in the sale and promotion of unregistered medicines, officials in the Ministry of National Health Services said.
Officials said DRAP’s Division of Quality Assurance and Laboratory Testing has formally approached the PTA’s Web Analysis Wing after receiving complaints that multiple online platforms were selling unregistered therapeutic goods directly to consumers.
According to officials, the regulator has identified websites including opentelestore.com, herbaltelestore.pk, curepill.pk and radiance360.shop, along with associated Facebook and Instagram pages, which are allegedly marketing and selling unregistered medicines through digital platforms.
They said many of these products are being promoted aggressively on social media, targeting consumers for conditions such as sexual health issues, weight loss and other disorders, often without any regulatory approval or medical oversight.
“These are prescription medicines or regulated products which should not be advertised or used without proper medical advice,” a senior health ministry official said, warning that self-medication based on online promotions can pose serious health risks.
Officials maintained that the sale and advertisement of unregistered medicines violate the DRAP Act, 2012, and the Drugs Act, 1976, and can lead to legal action against those involved.
They added that some of the products being marketed online are believed to be smuggled or otherwise unauthorized, raising concerns about their quality, safety and efficacy.
DRAP has urged the PTA to block access to the identified websites and restrict associated online content to prevent further spread of illegal drug sales and protect public health.
The regulator has also warned pharmaceutical companies, distributors and digital marketers against promoting prescription medicines or unregistered products through social media or other online channels without prior approval.
Health authorities have advised the public to avoid purchasing medicines from unverified online sources and to consult qualified practitioners before using any therapeutic product, particularly those advertised online.
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