DRAP CEO appointment summary sent to PM

Secretary clarifies all DRAP directors are fully authorised to make decisions within their respective divisions

By M. Waqar Bhatti

February 18, 2025

Federal Secretary for Health Nadeem Mahbub speaks in a video message on April 28, 2024. — Screengrab via Facebook@NHSRCOfficial

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has forwarded a summary for appointment of a permanent chief executive officer (CEO) for the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP).

Federal Secretary for Health Nadeem Mahbub told The News, “The delay in appointment is likely due to the clearance process for the candidate(s) recommended by the Health Ministry. Once this matter is resolved, the new CEO will be officially notified.”

He clarified that all DRAP directors are fully authorized to make decisions within their respective divisions, asserting that there is no regulatory deadlock at the authority.

On the other hand, a major disruption in medicine availability is also unfolding due to the expiry of SRO 134, which allowed hospitals to import essential medicines that were either unregistered or unavailable in Pakistan. The failure to renew this exemption has resulted in hospitals being denied No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for importing crucial drugs used in ICUs, cancer treatments, and infectious diseases.

Healthcare professionals warn that patients will be the primary victims, forced to either source these drugs on their own-often from black markets where quality is questionable-or go without essential treatment. With DRAP in administrative limbo, no action has been taken to extend the SRO, leaving hospitals helpless in securing life-saving medicines.

Adding to the crisis, a severe shortage of medical devices is also beginning to hit hospitals as customs authorities block shipments at ports and airports due to expired registration exemptions. Medical devices, including diagnostic kits, surgical implants, and monitoring equipment, are now stranded at entry points because SRO 224(1) 2023 expired on December 31, 2024. “The inaction and ambiguity at DRAP are causing a medical supply disaster,” said Syed Omer Ahmed, Chairman of the Healthcare Devices Association of Pakistan (HDAP). “Hospitals are running out of critical devices, yet no one in DRAP is stepping up to resolve the issue.”