DRAP to monitor drug reactions

The policy board in its meeting held under the chairmanship of health secretary granted approval of the centre

ISLAMABAD: The drug regulator will establish National Pharmacovigilance Centre in Islamabad to collect data of adverse drugs reactions for monitoring and vigilance of marketed drugs, in line with international practices, to ensure patient safety. The Policy Board of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) in its 22nd meeting held under the chairmanship of health secretary granted approval of the centre. The meeting was attended by the provincial secretaries of health or their representatives from government of Punjab, Sindh, K-P, Balochistan and Fata, as well as by expert members of the board. Policy Board in addition to routine functions granted the approval of Pharmacovigilance Regulations, 2017 as recommended by the authority. Under these regulations a National Pharmacovigilance Centre will be established to collect data of adverse drugs reactions, as a continuous monitoring and vigilance of marketed drugs, in line with international practices, for patient safety.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 25^th, 2017.