NA panel raises alarm over staff shortage at DRAP, urges recruitment on merit

ISLAMABAD: Expressing grave concern over an acute shortage of staff at the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) and a freeze on new recruitments, the National Assembly Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (NHSR&C) on Thursday called for the immediate filling of all vacant posts at the country’s top drug regulatory body - strictly on merit - as the agency prepares for a crucial World Health Organisation (WHO) audit in the coming days.

Chaired by MNA Dr Mahesh Kumar Malani at the Ministry’s Kohsar Block, the committee observed that DRAP is currently facing a severe manpower crisis with nearly 100 key positions lying vacant. These include drug inspectors, assistant and deputy directors, analysts, and other technical personnel, all essential for ensuring quality oversight of the pharmaceutical and healthcare supply chains in Pakistan.

Members of the committee voiced concern that the delay in recruitment could undermine regulatory performance, hamper the agency’s ability to monitor drug efficacy and safety and impact the upcoming WHO evaluation.

The committee also directed the DRAP officials to utilise the Central Research Fund (CRF) for the promotion of scientific research and innovation in the field of medicine, clinical trials, and the manufacturing of vaccines within the country.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to DRAP’s performance and operational challenges. While members appreciated the authority’s recent efforts to digitise drug licensing through the development of a standardised application form, they stressed the urgent need to establish clear, transparent, and stringent rules for licensing, inspections, and market surveillance. The committee directed DRAP to present finalised licensing rules in the next session. The committee also highlighted the need for stronger penalties for non-compliance with pharmaceutical standards and called for intensified inspections of drugs and vaccines. Members pushed for the harmonisation of licensing procedures to avoid unnecessary delays and ensure the timely availability of quality-assured medicines.

In addition, the committee urged prioritising local manufacturing of essential vaccines to reduce dependency on imports and ensure supply chain continuity.

Beyond DRAP, several pressing healthcare governance issues were discussed. The delay by the Ministry of Science and Technology in resolving matters related to front-of-package labelling and food standards drew criticism, particularly in light of the growing health burden from ultra-processed foods. The committee recommended imposing a levy on such items, with the revenue earmarked for national health promotion initiatives.

Minister of State for Health Dr Mukhtar Bharath supported allocating the sugary drinks tax directly to the health ministry, while the committee awaited a formal response from the Ministry of Science and Technology on the matter.

The committee discussed inefficiencies in public institutions like the Polyclinic and the Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory Authority (IHRA). MNA Dr Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro criticised unregistered rehabilitation centres in Islamabad operating without doctors and questioned IHRA’s oversight, requesting a report on sealed clinics and pending actions. IHRA officials promised a full compliance report soon.

Meanwhile, questions were raised by MNAs Aliya Kamran and Shahram Khan Tarakai regarding the continued presence of a special secretary for health at the meeting despite his transfer orders. The official responded, “When the Prime Minister orders, I will leave.”

The committee also disposed of The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (Amendment) Bill, 2024, while deferring The Islamabad Healthcare Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2024 and The Pharmacy (Amendment) Bill, 2024 due to the absence of the movers.

The meeting was attended by MNAs Dr Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro, Ms Sabheen Ghoury, Ms Farah Naz Akbar, Dr Nikhat Shakeel Khan, Ms Aliya Kamran, Ms Zahra Wadood Fatemi, Mr Shahram Khan, Dr Amjad Ali Khan, Mr Shabbir Ali Qureshi, and Mr Azim ud Din Zahid Lakhwi in person, and Mr Nisar Ahmed virtually. The Federal Minister for NHSR&C, Secretary Health, and other senior officials from the ministry and attached departments were also present.