The company, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), vehemently denies any wrongdoing and has vowed to appeal the judgment.
In a landmark decision with far-reaching implications, the Rawalpindi Drug Court in Pakistan has sentenced the CEO – GSK and several employees of a major pharmaceutical company to prison terms and fines. This is the first case of its kind in Pakistan’s history.
Complaint Triggers Investigation
The case stems from a 2018 complaint filed by the Provincial Inspector of Drugs, Tehsil Hasan Abdal, alleging a batch of Septran tablets manufactured by GSK failed quality control tests.
GSK Maintains Innocence, Goes to Trial
Despite facing charges in February 2023, GSK representatives asserted their innocence and opted for a trial.
Court Cites GSK’s Inaction
The court highlighted GSK’s substantial resources, including production and quality control units. However, the company reportedly failed to take corrective actions, such as recalling the medication or investigating the substandard production.
Guilty Verdict and Varying Sentences
The court found the CEO, production manager, quality control manager, and warrantor guilty. The CEO received a suspended sentence and a hefty fine, while the other three employees face two-year prison terms and fines.
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GSK to Challenge Verdict
GSK remains firm in its stance and intends to contest the verdict in a higher court.
Verdict Sparks Industry Debate
This landmark decision has ignited a heated debate within the pharmaceutical sector and healthcare community.
Legal Experts Question Severity
While acknowledging the importance of quality control, legal experts raised concerns about the severity of the punishments, particularly the imprisonment for this specific case.
Fears of Regulatory Weakening
Anxieties exist that this verdict might lead to efforts to weaken the Drug Act, potentially resulting in less stringent punishments and reduced effectiveness of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP).
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Medical Experts Advocate for Accountability
Medical experts emphasize the crucial role of courts in upholding the law and ensuring pharmaceutical companies are held accountable for their actions.
