Islamabad, March 27, 2025: The Pakistan Pharmacists Association (PPA) has commended the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) for its proactive steps in ensuring a consistent supply of medical devices across the country. Recognizing the critical role of medical devices in disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, the PPA appreciates DRAP’s ongoing efforts to strengthen regulatory processes and facilitate the smooth flow of essential medical technologies.
In recent months, DRAP has introduced several significant initiatives to enhance the medical device supply chain and streamline registration procedures:
- Expedited approvals: The Medical Devices Board has held nine meetings, clearing approximately 5,000 pending applications, expediting regulatory approvals for the medical device industry.
- Customs clearance facilitation: DRAP has facilitated the swift clearance of pending consignments at customs ports upon submission of undertakings by consignees under Rule 26 of the Medical Devices Rules, preventing potential shortages.
- Simplified registration for low-risk devices: The authority has eased registration criteria for least risk-bearing medical devices, making the process more accessible for manufacturers and suppliers.
- Implementation of E-registration system: DRAP is set to fully operationalize an electronic system in the Medical Devices Division within weeks, allowing for seamless online submission and processing of registration applications.
The PPA lauds DRAP’s leadership for taking decisive actions that have maintained the availability of quality medical devices, despite Pakistan’s heavy reliance on imports. These measures are crucial to ensuring healthcare providers have uninterrupted access to essential medical equipment.
The PPA has strongly dismissed recent claims by certain groups alleging a shortage of medical devices and accusing DRAP of inefficiency. It asserts that such claims are misleading, baseless, and seemingly driven by vested interests attempting to pressure DRAP into extending registration deadlines.
Extending the registration period, PPA warns, would compromise patient safety and quality control, putting compliant companies at a disadvantage while benefiting those prioritizing commercial interests over public welfare.
While urging DRAP to accelerate the processing of pending registration applications, the PPA also calls on Provincial Drug Control Administrations to crack down on the circulation of unregistered medical devices to protect public health.
The PPA remains committed to supporting DRAP’s regulatory framework and ensuring the continued supply of safe, high-quality medical devices across Pakistan.
