Dr Obaidullah ‘okayed’ to lead DRAP: official

ISLAMABAD: Dr. Obaidullah Malik, a senior official of the DRAP has been ‘okayed’ as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) by the competent authority, it is learnt.

“Dr. Obaidullah has been okayed for the position of CEO of DRAP by the appointing authority (the Prime Minister). Nothing in writing yet” a senior official in the federal of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (NHS,R&C) a officials told The News on Thursday.

The official further revealed that after Asim Rauf’s departure, an interview committee led by Dr Azhar Mahmood Kayani and comprising seven other members interviewed four shortlisted candidates for the CEO position.

Following these deliberations, Dr. Obaidullah, currently serving as Director at DRAP, was deemed the most suitable candidate for the position.

The official said the DRAP’s policy board had recommended allowing Asim Rauf to continue leading the authority until a permanent CEO is appointed. However, the Prime Minister’s Office did not issue any formal directives regarding this recommendation, the official added.