Shaukat Ali Jawaid
While inaugurating the Digital Licensing System for medical devices in Islamabad on July 21, Prime Minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif expressed strong dissatisfaction with the poor performance of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP).
He was especially critical of the inordinate delays in regulatory processes and remarked that DRAP should be called “DRAG,” as it has been dragging its feet not just for months, but for years, something, he added, that is known to everyone.1 His comments carried a broader message applicable to most regulatory bodies operating in Pakistan. These institutions are meant to facilitate progress, yet they often end up creating unnecessary hurdles. It’s not just the routine functioning that suffers; decision-making and the implementation of those decisions are also plagued by delays, the reasons for which are best left unsaid.
The Prime Minister also referred to the tragic incident at the Punjab Institute of Cardiology, which resulted in over 150 patient deaths. He held DRAP accountable for its failure to ensure proper quality control at drug manufacturing facilities in Pakistan.
This should serve as a wake-up call for all regulatory bodies in the country, including those in the health sector. I won’t name specific institutions, but the message should be clear to all. These organizations must wake up from their deep slumber, streamline their operations, and avoid unnecessary delays—especially in convening meetings, which should be held regularly to address pending agendas.
Such inefficiencies not only tarnish the reputation of the institutions but also that of their members. I sincerely hope this message is received in the right spirit by all concerned.
REFERENCE
- PM launches Digital Licensing System for Medical Devices. Daily DAWN July 22, 2025. Page-3.
