Authorities in Islamabad have uncovered a significant scam involving fake vaccines being administered to travelers and pilgrims at the Federal Government Polyclinic (FGPC).
An inquiry, led by Sardar Shabbir Ahmed, Secretary of the Quality Control Board and Chief Drug Inspector, revealed that individuals needing mandatory vaccines for travel to Saudi Arabia were directed to buy counterfeit vaccines from a private pharmacy near the hospital.
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The Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) drug control administration’s investigation exposed corruption within the FGPC staff. According to a senior health ministry official, the scam revolved around meningitis vaccines, which are required for travelers heading to Saudi Arabia.
FGPC staff reportedly prescribed the vaccines and instructed applicants to purchase them from a specific pharmacy before returning to the hospital for administration. Detailed records of recipients and vaccine information were kept.
It was discovered that the counterfeit vaccines came from an unauthorized source. The implicated pharmacy was sealed after failing to provide purchase records. Additionally, the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) confirmed that the batch number (U6977QAB) on the vaccines had never been imported into the country. Expiration date discrepancies further deepened suspicions.
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The inquiry recommended enforcing stricter Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) at vaccination centers, improving vaccine traceability, and increasing surveillance to prevent counterfeit products. DRAP has been urged to ensure a steady supply of authentic vaccines to avoid such incidents in the future.
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