DRAP failed to use Rs5.936bn research funds, PAC told

ISLAMABAD: The Auditor General for Pakistan highlighted that the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) failed to utilise the Central Research Fund (CRF) amounting to more than Rs5.936 billion over the past two years for research, development, or evaluation of drugs. Additionally, the Federal Bureau of Revenue (FBR) deducted Rs566.62 million as advance tax from the fund.

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) met here for the first time under its Chairman Junaid Akbar Khan where he raised concerns over the non-utilisation of CRF, stating that it defeats the purpose of the fund’s creation. The audit paras relating to the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination were taken up in which 23 audit para consisted of Rs9.611 billion irregularities. The PAC was briefed by officials from the PAC wing of the National Assembly Secretariat. It was reported that Rs1.6 trillion was recovered during the previous PAC’s tenure. However, 33,318 audit cases remain pending, and the current PAC has to review a total of 36,000 audit objections.

The PAC wing officials informed the committee that the current PAC has the potential to recover Rs2.5 trillion, though 20 cases are currently under litigation. During the meeting, DRAP officials explained that letters had been sent to private institutions for research collaboration but no offers had been received so far.

The Auditor General also pointed out that the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) failed to hold DAC meetings and did not provide records for audit, claiming that the records were missing.