PDMS is a Welcome Step, But Legal and Practical Reforms Are Essential: Noor Muhammad Mahar.

Noor Muhammad Mahar, President of the Pakistan Drug Lawyer Forum, has welcomed the Punjab Government’s launch of the Punjab Drug Distribution Management System (PDMS), calling it an important step toward digitizing the pharmaceutical supply chain. However, he stressed that the system’s success depends on addressing key legal, administrative, and practical challenges.

He questioned under which law the PDMS would operate and what legal action would apply in cases of non-compliance or incorrect data submission. He also called for a clear legal framework to protect confidential industrial data and ensure the confidence of pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors.

Mr. Mahar urged the government to introduce an online attendance system for pharmacists at registered pharmacies, strengthen the field regulatory infrastructure by equipping Drug Inspectors with transport, digital tools, and training, and improve transparency through online medicine price and availability information.

He emphasized that without comprehensive legal backing, industry trust, and stronger enforcement mechanisms, PDMS may face operational difficulties. He reaffirmed that the Pakistan Drug Lawyer Forum is ready to cooperate with the Punjab Government in developing a transparent, legally sound, and effective pharmaceutical regulatory system.