Federal Minister for Health Mustafa Kamal said on Saturday that the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has been made fully transparent and digitalised. Speaking to industrialists during a visit to the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI), he stated that more than 86,000 medicines manufactured by the pharmaceutical industry have been registered under the Track and Trace System, enabling consumers to scan products using their mobile phones to verify authenticity and check prices.
He noted that pharmaceutical companies can now register products online, reducing a process that previously took years to just 21 days. DRAP shifted its certification procedures to a digital system eight months ago, processing over 5,000 cases during this period, while the prime minister has recognized the initiative with a performance award.
Discussing pricing, Kamal acknowledged that the industry is seeking hikes, but the matter remains under cabinet consideration. He highlighted the dual challenge: higher prices burden ordinary citizens, while suppressed prices risk severe medicine shortages, forcing patients to the black market.
He suggested the government should eventually allow market forces to determine prices, similar to other commodities, ensuring a sustainable supply chain across the country. The minister emphasized that digital transformation is vital to curb the menace of counterfeit drugs, which pose a serious threat to public health.
The newly implemented system guarantees that every genuine product can be traced from its manufacturing plant to the pharmacy shelf. Industry leaders at KATI welcomed the digital reforms, appreciating the reduction in bureaucratic red tape.
They expressed hope that similar administrative streamlining would be introduced in other regulatory bodies to boost business confidence. Kamal reiterated that the government is committed to providing a business-friendly environment while safeguarding consumer interests.
He urged pharmaceutical stakeholders to maintain high quality standards and cooperate with regulatory mechanisms. The integration of modern technology in drug regulation marks a significant milestone in Pakistan's healthcare sector, paving the way for improved governance and patient safety nationwide.
Concluding his address, the minister assured that feedback from industrialists and health experts would be continually incorporated to refine these digital platforms for optimal efficiency.