ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday officially launched a digital system for the licensing and registration of medical devices in Pakistan, marking a significant milestone in modernising the country’s healthcare regulation.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony held in the federal capital, the Prime Minister congratulated Federal Health Minister Dr Nadeem Jan and the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) director-general, acknowledging their efforts in bringing clarity and efficiency to the regulatory process.
“I wholeheartedly congratulate the federal health minister and the DRAP DG for establishing a transparent system for the licensing and registration of medical devices,” he said. “Everyone involved deserves recognition for this achievement.”
Reflecting on past challenges, Shehbaz Sharif criticised DRAP’s historic inefficiency, referring to it as “DRAG,” a play on words suggesting how it stalled progress for years. He recalled a tragic incident from 2010–11 at the Punjab Institute of Cardiology, where patients lost their lives due to substandard medication.
“I had two drug samples tested – one sent to London, the other to France. Despite DRAP claiming the medicines were fine and mishandled locally, international reports revealed they weren’t even for heart conditions—they were antimalarial drugs,” he revealed.
Highlighting this as an example of DRAP’s past negligence, the Prime Minister praised the current leadership and reforms that have transformed the institution.
“Today, DRAP has reached a point where it can be proud of its progress. This success began during the previous coalition government and continues under competent leadership,” he said.
He also praised Health Minister Mustafa Kamal for his dedication, referencing his impactful tenure as Mayor of Karachi and his ongoing commitment to restoring long-neglected healthcare facilities.
“A hospital gifted by a friendly nation and a burn unit had remained closed for years. Thanks to Mustafa Kamal’s efforts, these are now being revived,” he added.
Related Topics