How to report fake or substandard medicine in Pakistan
If a medicine fails the scan, is flagged, or simply looks wrong, stop using it, keep everything, and file a complaint with DRAP. Your report is how inspectors find where a bad batch entered the market.
1. Stop and keep the evidence
Do not throw the pack away. Keep the outer box, strips or bottle, the leaflet, any unused medicine and your receipt. Take clear photos of the square code, the batch number, the expiry date and the registration number, and a screenshot of the scan result.
2. Talk to the pharmacy
Show the pharmacist what you found. A licensed pharmacy should replace the pack, preferably from a different batch, and can raise the issue with its distributor. Note the pharmacy's name and address for your report.
3. File a complaint with DRAP
DRAP accepts complaints about medicines through the complaint registration section of its track and trace portal (drugtrace.dra.gov.pk) and through its main website (dra.gov.pk). Include:
- Medicine name, strength and manufacturer
- Batch number, expiry date and serial number
- Where and when you bought it, with the receipt
- What was wrong: failed scan, recall, appearance, effect
- Your photos
Provincial drug inspectors and drug testing laboratories handle the follow-up locally, so your provincial health department is another route if you cannot reach DRAP.
4. If you have side effects
See a doctor first. Then report the side effect too: DRAP runs a pharmacovigilance programme for adverse drug reactions, and a report that links a side effect to a specific batch is especially valuable.
What happens next
Inspectors may collect samples from the market and send them for testing. If a batch fails, DRAP issues a recall alert naming the product and batch, and the batch is withdrawn from sale. Recall alerts are published on DRAP's website.
Questions people ask
Can I report a fake medicine without giving my name?
DRAP's complaint process asks for contact details so investigators can follow up and collect the pack if needed. Your report is about the product and the seller. If you are worried, say so in the complaint.
Will the pharmacy get in trouble?
Not automatically. Many pharmacies receive fake stock unknowingly from distributors. A report lets inspectors trace where the batch came from. Telling the pharmacy first is fair and often gets you a quick replacement.
What if I already took the medicine?
Contact your doctor, especially if you feel unwell or your condition is not improving. Keep the remaining medicine and the pack, as they may be needed for testing.
Have a pack in hand? Scan it now. It takes under a minute and needs no app.