Drug rules: Task force to ensure implementation

ISLAMABAD:

Minister of State for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination Saira Afzal Tarar on Monday announced to set up a task force at the federal level to ensure implementation of drug regulations.

The task force will be established in coordination with provinces and law-enforcement agencies and will work under the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP).

Tarar also advised that drug rules be amended and prohibitions and penalties be made more stringent to award exemplary punishments, according to a statement issued by the ministry on Monday.

The state minister also directed officials to ensure accountability and transparency in DRAP too so the law abiding manufacturers providing quality medicines do not face any difficulty in operations.

Moreover, she directed for capacity building of DRAP staff and completing the recruitment process at the earliest.

The state minister said she should be provided daily updates on the functioning of the authority and directed for making efforts to boost pharmaceutical exports.

She also advised DRAP to consult and facilitate stakeholders by removing the bureaucratic red-tape and reiterated her resolve to crack down on substandard and spurious drugs to safeguard public health.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 22^nd, 2015.