LAHORE: Hearing a suo motu case against PIC spurious medicine scandal, a three-member bench of the Supreme Court on Monday directed the Efroze Chemicals to pay compensation to families of the victims within six months.

The company was the manufacturer of tablet `Isotab` which caused the death of around 100 cardiac patients.

During the course of hearing, company`s counsel said his client was ready to give Rs400,000 as compensation to each bereaved familyand Rs50,000 to each affected patient. He said 60 per cent of the total compensation would be given to the families by Jan 15.

Chief Justice Tassadug Husain Jillani observed the court would monitor the payment process and take action in case of any default on the part of the company.

Punjab`s acting Advocate General Mustafa Ramday told the court criminal cases against the pharmaceutical company could not be cancelled in the light of compensation made to the victims. He said a consent of victim`s families was required for withdrawal of these cases.The bench adjourned hearing and directed the company counsel to submit a compliance report after six months.

Karachi-based Efroze Chemicals was the manufacturer of Isotab which led to the death of the cardiac patients who were supplied the spurious medicine at the Punjab Institute of Cardiology.

Shadman police had registered a case against the company administration.

An inquiry tribunal also recommended a strict action against the company, its management and others involved in the scam.