Drug regulator says those with vested interests behind some associations. PHOTO: FILE
In a statement released by the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (Drap) on Tuesday, the body responded to allegations levelled by members of the Pakistan Young Pharmacist Association (PYPA) and Pakistan Drug Lawyers Forum (PDLF) who claimed that scores of officers were hired by altering the rules after the posts had been advertised while some officials were given undue promotions.
Drap claimed that PDLF President Dr Noor Maher was a close associate of Chaudhary Usman, the owner of a pharmaceutical company. Terming Monday’s press conference a ‘series of lies and baseless allegations’, officials said that the accusations were aimed at stalling the reforms process undertaken by Drap.
It said that the allegations were concocted by those who had a vested interest since they were involved in the manufacture of illegal, banned and unregistered sex drugs.
“Drap has taken stern action against many such violators, and they are now misleading the media with their wrong and baseless accusations by twisting of facts,” the body said.
DRAP accused Usman of illegally manufacturing banned aphrodisiacs along with unauthorised manufacture of around 13 unregistered drugs while violating licensing rules.
“Manufacture and sale of these unregistered drugs has also been reported by various professional bodies including Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Association,” Drap said.
It added that most of the chemical combinations in these drugs are not approved by any stringent drug regulatory authority as their safety, efficacy and quality have not been established and their use could be harmful.
The regulator also accused the PDLF chief of being involved in looting from alternate medicines and nutraceuticals’ registration applicants by portraying himself as a so called expert and consultant with connections in DRAP and the health ministry.
“Whenever action was taken by Drap, ministry or agencies, against these elements, they attempt to pressurise officials for their vested interests so the cases against them can be withdrawn,” the regulator said.
Furthermore, Drap’s registration and pricing divisions denied that any of their records had gone missing.
Drap further clarified that all recruitments, promotions and postings took place as per rules and provisions and no orders of any court had been violated.
Regarding recruitment, the regulator said that there had been an across the board revision for all positions, not just for assistant directors, and after due approvals from the concerned authorities.
“The process of recruitments last year was regarded as transparent, fair and totally on merit. It was appreciated by all including stake holders. The matter is more than a year old, and the grudge now seems to be due to the reason that these new appointees are working hard.”
Regarding a promotion, Drap said that facts had been twisted and that all promotions and postings took place as per the rules and provisions with concurrence of the Establishment Division.
While referring to the case of an imposter, Drap said that the letter was from NAB and not the health ministry so Drap cannot comment on it.
Terming the matter as sub-judice, Drap said that raising the matter in a press conference is tantamount to contempt of court.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 8th, 2017.
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