ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Pharmacists Association (PPA) has appreciated the role of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (Drap) in ensuring the supply of medical devices and allied technologies which play a role in the prevention, treatment and diagnosis of diseases.

According to a statement, PPA has claimed that in recent months, Drap has taken several steps to strengthen the supply chain and registration processes for medical devices.

“The Medical Devices Board has convened nine meetings in recent months, resulting in the clearance of approximately 5,000 pending applications, ensuring smooth processing for the medical device industry,” it said.

The association also noted that Drap has facilitated the clearance of pending consignments at all customs ports following the submission of undertakings by consignees, in line with Rule 26 of the Medical Devices Rules.

Pharmacists’ body refutes reports of shortages, calls accusations against regulatory body ‘pressure tactics’

“This step has led to the prompt clearance of hundreds of consignments, effectively preventing potential shortages in the market,” it claimed.

It also said that in a move to support the medical device industry, Drap has simplified the criteria for registering the least risk-bearing medical devices.

This change has provided much-needed ease for the industry to register and enlist such devices, making the process more accessible.

“Drap has already processed and implemented an e-system in other divisions which shall be fully operationalised in the Medical Devices Division in the next couple of weeks that will enable the submission and processing of all registration applications and cases electronically,” the statement said This system, set to be rolled out in the coming weeks, will streamline the processing of cases, enhance transparency and provide a more efficient service to applicants, it added.

The PPA has also appreciated the leadership of Drap for “its decisive actions”, which have “facilitated the seamless flow of medical devices across Pakistan, despite the country’s reliance on imports in the medical device sector”.

“The PPA strongly condemns recent claims from certain groups suggesting that there is a shortage of medical devices and accusing Drap of inaction.

“These claims are baseless and devoid of merit and appear to be driven by ulterior motives. Some elements are attempting to pressure Drap into extending the registration deadlines, a move that could undermine patient safety and quality control in the medical device market,” it stated.

However, in the interest of public health, the PPA urged Drap authorities to resist any pressure to extend the registration period for medical devices.

“Granting such an extension would be harmful to the quality of medical devices in Pakistan and would undermine the efforts of companies that have already complied with legal requirements,” it stated.

Published in Dawn, March 30th, 2025