Last Updated on May 4, 2024 by The Health Master
NSQ Drug
In a landmark case that has shaken the pharmaceutical industry in Pakistan, the Rawalpindi Drug Court has sentenced the CEO and several employees of GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), a multinational pharmaceutical giant, to imprisonment and hefty fines for NSQ drug.
The judgement follows a trial that found GSK guilty of distributing not of standard quality drug (NSQ Drug), putting patient safety at risk.
Negligence Leads to Conviction Despite Company Reputation
The court’s decision highlights the importance of prioritizing patient safety over brand reputation.
Despite GSK’s status as a well-respected company, the court found them negligent in addressing concerns about the NSQ Drug.
This case serves as a strong reminder for all pharmaceutical companies to maintain the highest quality standards throughout their production and distribution processes.
CEO Faces Imprisonment and Substantial Fine
The judgement outlines the specific penalties for those involved.
The CEO of GSK Pakistan was sentenced to imprisonment “until the rising of the court” – a symbolic term in Pakistani law – and a significant fine of PKR 4.7 million (approximately USD 22,500).
If she fails to pay the fine, she could face an additional three months in prison.
Production and Quality Control Managers Held Accountable
The court also found the company’s production manager, quality control manager, and warrantor guilty.
They each received a sentence of two years in prison and a fine of PKR 600,000 (approximately USD 2,850).
Additionally, they face further imprisonment of six months each if they fail to settle their fines.
Judgement Sparks Debate Within Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Sectors
The verdict, delivered by a three-member bench headed by Chairman Nadeem Babar Khan, has sparked a significant debate within the pharmaceutical sector and healthcare fraternity in Pakistan.
The case raises critical questions about quality control measures, regulatory oversight, and the potential consequences for companies that compromise patient safety.
Dispute Over Quality of Medicine Emerges
While the court found the drug to be NSQ, there are conflicting reports about the extent of the quality issue.
Pakistan Drug Lawyers Forum President Noor Muhammad Mahar reportedly stated that the medicine’s quality was not compromised.
Provincial Inspector Triggers Investigation
The case originated from a complaint filed by the Provincial Inspector of Drugs, Tehsil Hasan Abdal, based on an inspection conducted in 2018.
The inspection focused on a specific batch of GSK’s Septran tablets, which subsequent testing revealed to be NSQ.
GSK to Challenge Judgement
GSK maintains their innocence and intends to appeal the verdict.
In a letter to the Pakistan Stock Exchange, the company secretary denied any wrongdoing and stated their intention to challenge the judgement before the appellate forum.
Disclaimer: This article contains information derived from the source mentioned below. Our team utilized an AI language model to rewrite and present the news or article in a unique format.
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