ISLAMABAD: The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) clarified that there are no restrictions imposed on hospitals or the general public regarding the import of crucial medicines, including anti-cancer drugs and vaccines, from India. Medicines can be obtained under the Import Policy Order 2022 after obtaining a no objection certificate (NOC) from DRAP. This statement came during a session of the Senate Standing Committee on Health wherein Senator Professor Mehr Taj Roghani raised concerns about the unavailability of essential medicines in the country.
DRAP officials informed the committee that individuals and hospitals can apply for a NOC to import medicines for personal use. The Import Policy Order 2022 does not prohibit the import of any drugs from India. DRAP had initiated a nationwide survey to identify unavailable medicines and set up a committee to monitor drug shortages regularly. DRAP also plans to publish a list of unavailable medicines on its official website based on real-time market surveillance.
Furthermore, DRAP has established a complaint management cell and a helpline to address shortages of drugs. The authority encouraged local manufacturers to produce medicines that were previously unavailable due to a lack of registration or price concerns.
Senator Humayun Mohmand commended DRAP’s efforts to ensure medicine availability. He also praised the authority’s prompt actions during the Covid-19 pandemic to ensure the availability of essential drugs.
During the session, Senator Sania Nishtar introduced the “Pakistan Opportunistic Screening and Treatment of Hypertension Bill 2023.” The bill suggests the screening of every individual who seeks healthcare services for hypertension. The committee suggested discussing the matter further with experts and healthcare regulatory authorities.
Additionally, the Senate Standing Committee discussed issues regarding the registration of National Council for Homeopathy (NCH) members, directing the Ministry of Health to investigate the matter.
