In a significant step to improve patient safety, the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has directed healthcare facilities nationwide to procure only registered therapeutic products from authorized distributors and licensed sellers. This advisory, issued by DRAP’s Quality Assurance Division, follows reports of adverse reactions linked to falsified Avastin injections administered in Punjab.
DRAP emphasized the importance of adhering to national healthcare regulations, warning that unregistered or improperly sourced medical products pose serious health risks to patients and can lead to severe consequences.
Asim Rauf, DRAP’s Chief Executive Officer, highlighted the agency’s efforts to streamline the process for healthcare facilities. He announced the establishment of an online mechanism for issuing no-objection certificates (NOCs) for the import of therapeutic goods that are not registered but needed in the country. Rauf assured that healthcare facilities and individuals could obtain these NOCs within 24 to 48 hours, facilitating compliance with DRAP guidelines in the procurement of therapeutic goods.
