DRAP Clarifies: Indian Drugs Can Be Imported to Pakistan Without Restrictions
ISLAMABAD: The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) clarified on Thursday that there are no restrictions on hospitals or the general public importing essential medicines (such as anti-cancer drugs and vaccines) from India for personal use, under the Import Policy Order 2022. However, individuals and hospitals need to obtain a no objection certificate (NOC) from the authority, as reported by The News.
This clarification from DRAP came during a session of the Senate Standing Committee on Health, in response to concerns raised by Senator Professor Mehr Taj Roghani about the shortage of essential medicines in the country.
DRAP officials stated, “In view of the unavailability of some essential medicines in Pakistan, common people and hospitals can apply for an NOC to directly import medicines from India. Currently, there is no ban on the import of any drug from India under the Import Policy Order 2022.”
Senator Roghani highlighted that doctors from various provinces had reported a shortage of medicines, including those used for treating neurological and psychiatric illnesses, vaccines, and other biological products.
DRAP officials explained that the authority has conducted a nationwide survey of unavailable medicines and directed their field force to report any important medicines that are not available in healthcare facilities.
In its written response to the Senate Standing Committee, DRAP mentioned that it is working on publishing a list of unavailable medicines with contact details on its official website. This list will be periodically updated based on real-time market surveillance.
DRAP has also established a committee to monitor drug shortages in the market. Individuals and hospitals can apply for an NOC to import medicines for personal use from any country, including India, through an online application to DRAP.
The authority has also set up a complaint management cell to address issues related to drug shortages. People facing such problems can use DRAP’s helpline and email for assistance.
DRAP has been proactive in registering medicines that were previously unavailable due to price escalation. Medicines like Heparin, Isoflurane, and Sevoflurane were recently registered on a priority basis.
Senator Humayun Mohmand commended DRAP for its efforts to ensure medicine availability in the country. He highlighted that during the Covid-19 pandemic, DRAP swiftly approved essential medicines and vaccines for critically ill patients.
During the session, the Ministry of Health officials advised Senator Roghani to introduce amendments to an existing law regarding the treatment of injured individuals, rather than presenting a new bill. The committee also discussed the issue of elections and registration of members of the National Council for Homeopathy (NCH), directing the Ministry of Health officials to investigate the matter.
