In response to a World Health Organisation (WHO) alert, the Punjab government has taken decisive measures against five cough syrup manufacturing companies accused of incorporating excessive alcohol into their products, reported the 24NewsHD TV channel on Friday.

Acting on recommendations from the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) and the District Health Officer (DHO), the provincial government has issued directives to not only ban these companies but also seize their entire stock in the market.

The ban was imposed after World Health Organisation (WHO) investigated a complaint from the Maldives and confirmed the presence of “high alcohol content” in the cough syrups.

 Punjab's Caretaker Minister for Primary and Secondary Healthcare, Dr. Jamal Nasir, announced that the crackdown would extend to all medical stores in the province, ensuring that the controversial cough syrup is removed from circulation.

Dr. Nasir disclosed that these companies were not only distributing their products within the country but also exporting them abroad.

He emphasized that strict actions would be taken against those responsible for tarnishing the country's reputation in this matter.

Reporter: Azmat Majeed