NA panel raises alarm over staff shortage at DRAP, urges recruitment on merit
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Dr Mahesh Kumar Malani chairing a session of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination (NHSR&C) on February 7, 2025. — Senate website
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ISLAMABAD: The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) expressed serious concern over the severe shortage of staff and a frozen on new recruits, the National Assembly Standing Committee for National Assembly for National Assembly for National Assembly for National Assembly, which has been asked by the National Assembly for the National Assembly. Audit in the coming days.
The committee, chaired by MNA Dr Mahesh Kumar Milani in the Kohsar block of the ministry, observed that the DRAP is currently facing a severe manpower crisis in which about 100 key positions are vacant. These include drug inspectors, assistants and deputy directors, analysts, and other technical personnel, who are essential to ensuring the standard monitoring of pharmaceutical and health care chains in Pakistan.
Members of the committee expressed concern that delays in recruitment could damage regular performance, and the agency’s ability to monitor drug utilities and safety and to affect the diagnosis of incoming WHO.
The committee also directed DRAP officials to use the Central Research Fund (CRF) to promote scientific research and innovation in the field of medicine, clinical trials, and vaccinations within the country.
An important part of the meeting was dedicated to drip performance and operational challenges. Although the members appreciated the recent efforts of the authority to digitalize drug licensing through the development of a standard application form, they emphasized the urgent need to set clear, transparent and strict rules for licensing, inspection, and market monitoring. The committee directed Drip to submit the final licensing rules at the next meeting. The committee also highlighted the need for a strong fine for non -compliance with pharmaceutical standards and called for severe examination of drugs and vaccines. The members called for aligning the Ligent Licensing Procedure to avoid unnecessary delays and ensure timely availability of quality assurance drugs.
In addition, the committee called for priority to local preparations for vaccines needed to reduce the dependence on imports and ensure the continuity of the supply chain.
Beyond the drop, several health care issues were discussed. The Ministry of Science and Technology has criticized the Front of Package labeling and solving food quality issues, especially in the light of a growing health burden than ultra -processed foods. The committee recommended imposing such commodities, with receiving taxes for national health promotion measures.
Minister of State for Health Dr Mukhtar Bharati supported the Ministry of Health directly allocating sugar drinks tax, while the committee is waiting for a formal response to the Ministry of Science and Technology to the matter.
The committee discussed disqualification in government agencies like the Poly Clinic and Islamabad Health Care Regulatory Authority (IHRA). MNA Dr Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro criticized unregistered rehabilitation centers in Islamabad without doctors and questioned the IHRA’s supervision, requesting a report on seal clinics and pending operations. IHRA officials promised a full compliance report soon.
Meanwhile, MNA Elijah Kamran and Shahram Khan Tarakai raised questions about the continued presence of the Special Secretary for Health in the meeting, despite its transfer orders. The official replied, “When the Prime Minister gives the order, I will go.”
The committee also delayed the Islamabad Health Care Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2024 and Pharmacy (Amendment) Bill, 2024, due to the absence of moors.
At the meeting, MNAS Dr. Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro, Ms. Saban Gori, Ms Farah Naz Akbar, Dr. Nakhat Shakeel Khan, MS Aaliyah Kamran, Mr. Zahra Wadood Fatim, Mr Shahram Khan, Dr. Amjad Ali Khan, Dr. Amjad Ali, Zahid Lakhvi, and Zahid Lakhvi. The Federal Minister of NHSR&C, Secretary Health, and other senior officials of the Ministry and the affiliated departments were also present.
