considers law computerized
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KP considers law for computerized prescriptions an…

ByJustpaste.in

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government is considering new legislation that would require doctors to prescribe medicines using their generic names instead of brand names and issue computerized prescriptions to patients. The provincial government has announced plans to consult the federal government, as the matter falls under federal jurisdiction.

The proposal was discussed in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly after Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) lawmaker Mehr Sultana submitted a calling attention notice highlighting the absence of an effective legal framework requiring doctors to prescribe medicines by their generic names.

According to the lawmaker, many physicians continue to prescribe branded medicines, limiting patients’ ability to choose more affordable alternatives. She argued that requiring doctors to write only the generic or formula name of a medicine would improve transparency, increase competition among pharmaceutical companies, and reduce treatment costs for patients.

Mehr Sultana also emphasized the need to make computerized prescriptions mandatory, pointing out that handwritten prescriptions are often difficult to read. Illegible prescriptions can result in medication errors, delays in treatment, and confusion for pharmacists and patients. She urged the provincial government to introduce legislation or regulations that would modernize the prescription system and improve patient safety.

Responding to the proposal, KP Health Minister Khaliq ur Rahman acknowledged the importance of the issue but explained that the authority to legislate in this area primarily rests with the federal government. He said the provincial government would formally approach the federal authorities to explore the possibility of introducing the necessary legal changes.

The discussion also covered healthcare infrastructure in the province. During the assembly session, lawmaker Shahida Waheed raised concerns over non-functional CT scan and MRI machines at Mardan Medical Complex. In response, the health minister informed the assembly that the CT scan machine had already been repaired, while the MRI machine is expected to become operational within a week.

If implemented, the proposed reforms could significantly improve prescribing practices across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by encouraging the use of generic medicines and replacing handwritten prescriptions with digital records. Supporters of the proposal believe these changes would help reduce medication errors, lower healthcare costs, and improve access to affordable medicines, while also promoting greater efficiency in hospitals and clinics. Any legal amendments, however, will require coordination with the federal government before they can be introduced and enforced.

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