Replacing DRAP: Steps under way for creation of Pakistan Food and Drug Authority

ISLAMABAD: The federal health authorities are advancing plans to establish a Pakistan Food and Drug Authority (FDA), a centralised regulatory body modelled after international counterparts, officials said on Thursday.

The proposed authority will replace the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) and oversee the regulation of food, pesticides, and cosmetics, ensuring compliance with global standards. This initiative is seen as a crucial step for improving public health and boosting exports.

A second review meeting on the creation of the authority was held at DRAP, chaired by the Prime Minister’s Coordinator for Health, Dr. Mukhtar Bharath. Senior officials, including DRAP CEO Asim Rauf and other stakeholders, participated in the discussion.

During the meeting, Dr. Bharath highlighted the urgent need for a centralised FDA to unify standards and address challenges posed by fragmented regulations.

Currently, food regulation is managed by provincial governments with varying standards, while pesticides fall under the Ministry of Food. This division has led to regulatory gaps, allowing harmful chemicals in pesticides to enter the food chain, and causing chronic health issues.

The new authority would consolidate oversight of food, pesticides, and cosmetics to ensure they meet global quality and safety standards. This initiative is vital for protecting public health and addressing risks posed by unchecked chemicals in consumables and cosmetic products. Dr. Bharath informed the participants that the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with DRAP, the Ministry of Food, provincial governments, and other stakeholders, is finalising recommendations for the proposed authority. A formal concept note outlining the framework and objectives of the Pakistan FDA will be presented to the prime minister in the coming weeks for approval.

One key objective of the Pakistan FDA is to facilitate exports by ensuring products meet stringent international market requirements. “Many countries require central certification by a credible regulatory body. This centralised authority will enhance Pakistan’s export potential for food and related products,” Dr. Bharath said.

He further emphasised the authority’s role in improving the quality of local food, agricultural products, and consumer goods to meet international benchmarks.

“This step aligns with the prime minister’s vision of increasing exports while ensuring the safety and quality of domestically consumed products,” he said.

The initiative aims to unify regulatory controls currently divided among multiple entities, ensuring a comprehensive approach to quality and safety standards. By regulating pesticides as chemicals with potential health risks rather than solely as agricultural products, the authority will address significant gaps in the existing system.

The health ministry has reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with all stakeholders to ensure the successful establishment of the Pakistan FDA. This initiative is expected to have far-reaching impacts on public health and the country’s economic growth.