Baghlan residents are raising serious concerns about the high prices and questionable quality of medicines sold in local pharmacies, claiming the situation is worsening public health across the province.
Dozens of locals report that medications purchased from pharmacies in Baghlan not only come at inflated prices but also fail to produce any therapeutic effects. Some even argue that the drugs are deteriorating patients’ conditions rather than treating them.
“We visited several doctors, bought all the prescribed medications, but they didn’t help at all,” said Mohammad Yaqoob, a resident of Baghlan, speaking to TOLOnews. “What’s shocking is that the same brand of medicine from Pakistan worked well, but what we get here under the same label is completely ineffective.”
Another resident, Mohammad Atiq, highlighted the lack of price transparency. “In the past, medicine packaging had price stamps, and you could compare. Now, pharmacies set prices arbitrarily. They won’t reduce even 10 Afghanis, and worst of all, the medicines just don’t work.”
Health Risks Mounting
Many residents say the continued use of these substandard medications is doing more harm than good. Reports of worsened conditions, increased side effects, and financial strain are becoming all too common.
“We’ve been buying expensive heart medications for over two years,” said Shirullah, another local. “But we see no improvement—only higher bills and growing frustration.”
Hazratuddin, also from Baghlan, called for stricter import and quality control: “Medicines enter the country from every direction without proper oversight. That’s why we’re flooded with fake or low-quality drugs. We need real action from officials—check the prices, inspect the quality, and control imports.”
Government Response
In response to these complaints, the Baghlan Public Health Directorate insists it is actively monitoring the situation. Officials claim daily inspections are being conducted across the province to ensure the safety and pricing of pharmaceutical products.
“We have active teams that inspect clinics, pharmacies, and wholesale suppliers daily,” said Abdul Qahar Ahmadi, head of the Baghlan Public Health Directorate. “We follow Ministry of Public Health protocols to prevent expired or substandard medicines from reaching the public.”
However, these assurances have done little to ease public frustration. Residents argue that inspections seem to have little real-world effect, and many believe more needs to be done to restore trust in the local healthcare system.
A Call to Action
Medical professionals in the province have echoed public concerns, warning that ineffective or counterfeit medicines could pose lethal risks. Without urgent intervention from national health authorities and tighter regulation of the pharmaceutical supply chain, the situation may continue to deteriorate.
Baghlan residents are calling on the Ministry of Public Health and other relevant agencies to take immediate, transparent, and long-term action. They want regular inspections, clear labeling, fair pricing, and better import controls.
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