Concerns Raised Over Drug Production Quality in Pakistan by Senate Committee

A parliamentary committee raised concerns about the production quality of drugs in Pakistan, noting they often fail to meet international standards. The review took place during a Senate Standing Committee meeting, chaired by Senator Amir Waliuddin Chishti. The committee urged for stricter regulations and oversight by the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan.

A parliamentary committee in Islamabad on Friday voiced concerns about the quality of drug production in Pakistan, reportedly failing to meet international standards, according to Dawn on Saturday. The issue was discussed during a Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (SCNHSRC) meeting, chaired by Senator Amir Waliuddin Chishti at Parliament House.

During the session, officials evaluated the five-year performance of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP). Attending the meeting were Senators Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan, Syed Masroor Ahsan, Irfanul Haq Siddiqui, Mohammad Humayun Mohmand, Fawzia Arshad, and senior officials including Secretary Nadeem Mahbub, Special Secretary Nasiruddin Mashood Ahmed, DRAP CEO Asim Rauf, and PMDC President Dr. Rizwan Taj.

DRAP's CEO Asim Rauf outlined the agency's licensing and manufacturing responsibilities, as well as its role in monitoring drug imports, exports, and quality control. The committee raised concerns about the quality of drugs produced by local firms, and questioned the presence and potential exit of multinational pharmaceutical companies from Pakistan.

Chairman Amir Waliuddin Chishti also highlighted the need for formula milk regulation. Rauf noted that formula milk companies had previously sued DRAP over regulatory inclusion but lost in court. The session also reviewed new policies for the National Registration Examination (NRE), with PMDC President Dr. Rizwan Taj noting a reduction in passing criteria for foreign medical students, leading to an increased pass rate.

(With inputs from agencies.)