Pharmacists Online

10/25/2026

ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE: A SERIOUS THREAT AND OUR RESPONSIBILITY
Misuse of Antibiotics: A Serious Threat and Our Responsibility
In our society, it has become a common practice that at the slightest sign of fever, sore throat, or a mild cold, instead of immediately consulting a doctor, we go to any nearby medical store and self-prescribe an antibiotic pill or syrup. The easy availability of medicines without a doctor's prescription in Pakistan has become a major issue, and this very habit is internally weakening us and our children.
What are Antibiotics and Why Are They Prescribed?
It is very important to understand that antibiotics work exclusively against bacterial infections, meaning germs. Colds, flus, and common viral infections are mostly caused by viruses, and antibiotics have no effect on viruses. When we take these medicines during a viral illness, they cause harm instead of benefiting the body.
Major Harms of Antibiotic Misuse:
1. Antibiotic Resistance (Germs Becoming Stronger): When we use medicines without necessity or a doctor's guidance, the germs in our body become accustomed to the drug. The next time a genuinely dangerous infection occurs, those common antibiotics stop working because the germs have grown strong enough that the medicine cannot defeat them.
2. Leaving the Course Incomplete: Many people stop taking the course midway after feeling better after just a couple of doses. This fails to root out the disease entirely, causing the germs to return even more resilient.
3. Destruction of Beneficial Germs: These medicines also kill the body's good and helpful bacteria, weakening immunity and leading to stomach problems or other illnesses.
What Should We Do?
Avoid Self-Medication: Never act as your own doctor. Take any antibiotic strictly on the advice and prescription of a qualified doctor.
Complete the Course: If your doctor prescribed a five or seven-day course, do not leave it midway even if you feel better, and finish the entire course.
Do Not Give Advice to Others: A medicine prescribed by a doctor to your relative or friend is not necessarily suitable for you. Every patient and the nature of their illness differ.
Let us understand this serious problem ourselves and protect the health of our children. Antibiotics are not ordinary candies; they are life-saving weapons. If their reckless use continues, a day is not far when even common diseases will become untreatable.
Stay healthy, stay safe!
NHS UK Health Security Agency

10/25/2026

How to Set Up a Retail Pharmacy in Punjab, Pakistan: Step-by-Step Guide
Setting up a retail pharmacy in Punjab, Pakistan, is a lucrative business opportunity, but it requires strict adherence to legal, regulatory, and operational standards set by the Health Department and the Primary & Secondary Healthcare Department of Punjab.
Here is a comprehensive breakdown of everything you need to know to get started—from licensing requirements to initial investment estimates.
1. Types of Drug Sale Licenses
Under the Punjab Drug Rules, there are two primary categories for retail medicine setups:
Pharmacy License (Form 8 / Category A):
Requirement: Requires a registered Pharm-D graduate (Category A pharmacist) registered with the Punjab Pharmacy Council.
Scope: Permits the sale of all types of medicines, including prescription drugs, controlled substances, and narcotics.
Medical Store License (Form 6 / Category B):
Requirement: Requires a Pharmacy Technician diploma holder (Category 😎 or a qualified dispenser.
Scope: Restricted to selling Over-The-Counter (OTC) medicines and a specified list of general drugs.
2. Premises & Physical Layout Requirements
Before applying for a Drug Sales License, your physical shop must pass an inspection by the Drug Inspector according to regulatory standards:
Covered Area: Minimum 140 to 150 sq. ft. of covered floor space (with a minimum ceiling height of around 8 feet).
Flooring & Walls: Washable, smooth tile or epoxy flooring and oil-painted/tiled walls to maintain hygienic standards.
Temperature Control:
Refrigerator: Mandatory for cold-chain items like insulin, vaccines, and certain injections.
Air Conditioning: Must have an AC unit capable of keeping ambient room temperature below 25°C, supported by a backup generator or UPS system.
Counter & Layout: Clear separation between the customer waiting area and the prescription dispensing counter.
3. Required Documentation
To apply for a Drug Sale License (via Form-5), you must gather the following documents:
Qualified Person (Pharmacist/Category A):
Category A certificate from the Punjab Pharmacy Council (renewed for the current year).
CNIC copy and 4 passport-size photographs.
Affidavit of full-time employment at the pharmacy.
Proprietor (Owner):
CNIC copy and 4 passport-size photographs.
Owner's legal affidavit.
Premises Documents:
Rent agreement (or ownership deed of the shop).
Layout plan/map of the shop.
Purchase invoice/receipt of the refrigerator.
Government Fee:
Paid Challan Form (32-A) deposited under the specified government account head.
4. Step-by-Step Setup Process
1. Location Selection: Choose a commercial location near hospitals, clinics, or high-density residential areas.
2. Document Assembly: Contract a Category A pharmacist, draft legal affidavits, and pay the licensing fee via bank challan.
3. Application Submission: Submit your Form-5 application online through the Punjab Health Department portal or physically at the local District Health Authority (DHA) / EDO Health office.
4. Site Inspection: The local Drug Inspector will visit the premises to verify dimensions, ventilation, cooling systems, and hygiene.
5. License Issuance: Upon a positive inspection report, the District Licensing Authority issues the official Drug Sale License.
5. Estimated Investment & Budget Breakdown
Setting up a medium-sized retail pharmacy in Punjab generally requires the following estimated budget:
Shop Security Deposit & Rent: PKR 200,000 – 500,000 (varies by city and location)
Interior, Racks, AC & Refrigerator: PKR 400,000 – 700,000
POS & Management Software Setup: PKR 50,000 – 100,000
Initial Inventory (Stock): PKR 1,000,000 – 2,500,000
Licensing & Documentation Fees: PKR 50,000 – 100,000
6. Key Tips for Operational Success
FEFO Rule (First Expiry, First Out): Manage inventory so that medicines expiring earliest are dispensed first to prevent financial loss.
Buy from Authorized Distributors: Procure stock strictly from licensed local and multinational pharmaceutical distributors with valid invoices.
Pharmacy Management Software: Use reliable POS software to track batch numbers, expiration dates, daily sales, and stock levels accurately.

10/22/2026

Cryptosporidium is a microscopic parasite that can live in contaminated water and causes an illness called cryptosporidiosis. Invisible to the naked eye, it can still have a big impact on your gut.


UK Health Security Agency

10/22/2026

Could you get a free NHS flu vaccine this winter? 💉🛡️

Maybe you're pregnant, work on the frontline in health or social care, or are aged 65 or over. Whatever eligible group you fall into, you're entitled to extra protection against the serious illness that flu can cause.

UK Health Security Agency

10/22/2026

Feeling under the weather with a cough, sore throat or temperature?🤧🌡️

Tell us how you're feeling in our FluSurvey and help build a clearer picture of illnesses across the UK.

10/19/2026

Measles cases in the United States have reached 4,410, with 81 new cases reported in one week. The rise highlights the importance of vaccination, early symptom recognition and timely medical care. Measles is highly contagious, but vaccination offers strong protection.


Credit Thehealthsite.com

10/14/2026

10/10/2026

🆕📊 The first graphs of the season are here, showing both flu & COVID-19 increasing, with possible signs of an early flu season.
🟢 Flu positivity rose to 6.5%, up from 5.0% the previous week
🟣 COVID-19 PCR positivity in hospital settings increased to 9.1%, compared with 7.9% the week before
🔵 RSV activity remained low and is circulating at baseline levels
Those eligible are reminded to come forward for a free NHS flu, COVID-19 or RSV vaccination. Book now through your GP or online.

10/07/2026

Your MenB vaccine: don't leave it on read. 📱
⏰ Meningitis can become serious in hours
✅ Getting vaccinated takes minutes
🔗 Find out more, including who is eligible: https://bit.ly/4wJsKjp

10/07/2026

The legislation bans the supply and sale of all wet wipes containing plastic.
The changes come after a consultation to find out the public's views on wipes showed 95% of people supported a ban.