ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination Syed Mustafa Kamal chaired a high-level meeting with representatives of the Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PPMA) to discuss key reforms and challenges facing the pharmaceutical sector.
The meeting, held at the Ministry of National Health Services, was attended by the Secretary Health, Special Secretary, Chief Executive Officer of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), and other senior officials.
During the meeting, participants reviewed major issues affecting the pharmaceutical industry, including regulatory challenges, availability of quality medicines, and the need for greater transparency within the system.
Discussions focused on the implementation of bioequivalence studies, compliance with Pharmaceutical Inspection Co-operation Scheme (PIC/S) standards, and the phased implementation of the 2D barcode under the Track and Trace system.
The meeting also addressed delays in product registration, fast-tracking of new molecules, and issues related to Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), including API loans for Common Technical Document (CTD) submissions and concerns regarding inactive distributors. Representatives of the pharmaceutical industry stressed the importance of streamlining regulatory processes and making them more transparent and industry-friendly.
It was agreed that data from recent surveys on the pharmaceutical industry would be shared with PPMA, while matters related to deregulation and pending cases would be resolved through mutual consultation and a practical, phased approach.
Syed Mustafa Kamal reaffirmed the government’s commitment to close cooperation with the pharmaceutical industry to ensure the availability of quality and affordable medicines across the country. The meeting concluded with a consensus on continued collaboration to strengthen and modernize Pakistan’s pharmaceutical sector.
