DRAP to benchmark pharmaceutical units to meet global standards

Islamabad: The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has taken new initiatives to assure quality and safety of therapeutic goods. The Authority has issued a plan for assessment of cGMP compliance of manufacturers of drugs which is due to start from January 10.

All pharmaceutical manufacturers in the country will be assessed on latest Quality Risk Management approach through a pool of auditors who have been trained to evaluate cGMP compliance level. This practice is a pre-requisite for Pakistan’s membership of the Pharmaceutical Inspection Cooperation Scheme (PIC/S) and would help in WHO accreditation of DRAP. One of the benefits of such a programme is enhanced exports of pharmaceuticals as the local industry will be uplifted through international practices, a DRAP spokesperson is quoted as saying in a press release issued here on Saturday.

DRAP has also initiated the process of harmonized compliance benchmarking, deployment of Management Information System and strengthening of the Authority’s quality management system to promote transparency of the regulatory system in the country. Ultimately, public will benefit from assured availability of quality, safe and effective therapeutic goods.

Moreover, DRAP has directed its inspectors to monitor the stocks of protective equipment against Novel Coronavirus throughout the country. This step has been taken to ensure that such equipment is available for use in the country.