DRAP lab without generator for two years

The Senate Standing Committee on National Health was told on Wednesday that the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (Drap) had failed to acquire a generator for its biological laboratory despite the same panel’s directions to that effect two years ago. This was despite the drug regulatory body having more than Rs6 billion in its account.

Senator Dr Humayun Mohmand chaired the meeting which was briefed by Drap officials. The committee expressed ire at Drap officials who failed to acquire the generator and then tried to cover it up.

Senator Asad Junejo inquired about the body’s cold chain management for vaccine distribution in case of power failure. Meanwhile, Senator Rubina Khalid called for the dismissal of officials responsible. The committee sought a report regarding the generator next week.

The panel also visited the Federal General Hospital in Chak Shahzad and found the performance of the hospital management unsatisfactory. A facility run by the Ministry of Health, it has more than 100 ventilators as well as other machinery. However, there was no staff to run the hospital. The hospital was missing basic supplies.

The members also reprimanded the hospital’s director over putting up fake notices in the hospital.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 15^th, 2023.