Ministry opts for adhocism on top DRAP appointment

Islamabad: With Dr Muhammad Aslam relinquishing the office of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) chief executive officer later this week on the expiry of a three-year employment contract, Sheikh Faqeer Muhammad, director (drug control) at the drugs watchdog, has emerged as the front-runner to succeed him for the time being.

Sheikh Faqeer is understood to be the most senior among the three BPS-19 officers recommended by the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination to fill the BPS-21 post slated to fall vacant on Feb 2.

The other nominees are DRAP director (medical devices and medicated cosmetics) Noor Muhammad Shah and additional director, Lahore, Asim Rauf. Now, the three names are with the prime minister to take his pick, who will act as a stand-in for the CEO until a permanent replacement is found.

The law allows the DRAP’s policy board headed by the health services secretary to grant one-year extension in the term of the authority’s chief. However, the health services ministry overseeing the DRAP neither extended Dr Aslam’s contract nor did it go for the appointment of a permanent CEO. Instead, it has chosen adhocism for the top position at the drugs watchdog.

The DRAP Act, 2012, says, “In case of occurrence of vacancy of CEO the Federal Government is authorised to appoint any person having prescribed qualification as CEO for a period of three months or till the appointment of CEO, whichever is earlier.”

According to an insider, the ministry was supposed to advertise the post three months before the expiry of the incumbent CEO’s contract but its failure to do so led to the prime minister’s permission for interim appointment from among pharmacist and MBBS officers.

Under the rules, a selection board headed by a retired bureaucrat interviews the candidates shortlisted by a private chartered accountancy firm before sending the names of three to the prime minister for choosing one of them to occupy the top DRAP position on permanent basis.

When contacted, DRAP public relations officer Muhammad Sajid said first, the CEO’s appointment was a ‘routine affair’ and second, it was with the Establishment Division for decision and therefore, the drugs regulator had nothing to do with it.