Ministry calls for special audit of DRAP

Islamabad: The Ministry of National Health Services has requested the Auditor General of Pakistan for a special audit of the drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) for the fiscal year 2012-2013 to 2017-1018.

Due to it role with regard to the regulation of allopathic, homoeopathic, unani and herbal drugs, medical devices, and medicated cosmetics, DRAP has a direct impact on the health and wellbeing of the people, and as such remains a subject of public scrutiny. DRAP receives continued media attention alleging irregularities and malpractices regarding diverse areas being dealt with by the authority as per its mandate. It goes without saying that transparency and efficiency in the functioning of DRAP is of critical importance to meet targets and ensure sustained availability of quality medicines to the masses.

In view of the foregoing and to further instil public confidence in the authority, the Ministry has requested a special audit of DRAP for the period 2012-2013 to date, with a focus on the pricing mechanism, to ascertain whether prices of drugs are determined justly and in accordance with the laid down policy and law. DRAP was established through the DRAP Act promulgated on November 13, 2012 .