A delegation of LGC, a British laboratory of international repute called on Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, here today, which discussed cooperation for making drug testing laboratories in Punjab modern and according to international standard. Talking to the delegation, Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the cooperation of British institution for making existing drug testing labs in Punjab according to international standard. He said that immediate steps will be taken for making existing drug testing labs in Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad and Bahawalpur according to international standard and steps will be taken keeping in view all international protocols in this regard. He said that modern drug testing labs are very essential for ensuring provision of quality medicines to the people. The Chief Minister said that highly trained staff will be deputed in drug testing labs. He said that a state-of-the-art new drug testing lab will be set up beside Forensic Science Lab in Lahore. He said that besides medicines, samples of water and eatable items will also be tested in this state-of-the-art drug testing labs. Shehbaz Sharif directed concerned officials to take immediate steps for making existing drug testing labs in Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad and Bahawalpur according to international standard. He said that experience of LGC should be benefitted in this regard and these labs should be completely autonomous. The Chief Minister also directed to constitute a committee for the recruitment of new staff and its training for drug testing labs. The members of the delegation of LGC speaking on the occasion said that they will cooperate with Punjab government for organizing drug testing labs on modern lines and making these labs according to international standard. Provincial Ministers Bilal Yasin, Tanvir Aslam Malik, Advisor Health Kh. Salman Rafique, Parliamentary Secretary Kh. Imran Nazir, MPA Muhammad Kashif, Additional Chief Secretary and concerned secretaries were also present on the occasion.
