DRAP seems optimistic in achieving Level III of the World Health Organization (WHO) standards as it is expected to conduct a final audit of the authority this year to provide it accreditation.
On Monday, National health services ministry spokesperson Sajid Shah told the media that WHO, in the preparatory mission report, had complemented efforts of Drap towards strengthening its regulatory system.
NHS ministry spokesperson further told the media that the authority was committed to strengthening its laboratories for further guaranteeing that quality drugs were available in the country. In this regard, the Central Drug Laboratory (CDL) is being upgraded. This is one of the most important steps in making Drap a modern day regulatory body, he said.
Read more: DRAP striving to help pharmaceutical sector grow
“CDL has recently been revamped in accordance with international best practices. The laboratory now houses some of the cutting edge equipment for testing and analysis of drugs, alternative medicines and medical devices.”
Drap claims its lab will get WHO accreditation soon
“Best practices as recommended by WHO and United States Pharmacopoeia are being implemented for performing tests on therapeutic goods,” he said.
Mr Shah said Drap had completed its pre-accession stage in the pharmaceutical inspection cooperation scheme (PIC/S) and was now addressing gaps identified by the auditor of PIC/S.
An online application management system had been launched in December 2020 for licensing, registration and inspection activities.
“Additionally, ISO 9001:2015 certification for Quality Management System of Drap has been completed. Launch of Med-Safety Mobile Application in collaboration with WHO for reporting of adverse reactions/events by healthcare professionals and public was another positive step,” he said.
Mr Shah said Drap had approved seven Covid-19 vaccines for emergency use – Sinopharm, Cansino, Sinovac, Sputnik V, AstraZeneca, Pfizer and Moderna.
“Moreover, the private sector has been allowed to import the vaccine and contribute in achieving the herd immunity at the earliest,” he said.
