By Our Web Reporter
LAHORE MIRROR – The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has stated that there was no restrictions for hospitals or the general public to import essential/vital medicines (including anti-cancer drugs and vaccines) from India for personal use, in accordance with the Import Policy Order 2022. However, an obtained no objection certificate (NOC) from the authority is required.
The statement from DRAP officials was delivered during a session of the Senate Standing Committee on Health, in response to Senator Professor Mehr Taj Roghani’s inquiry about the shortage of essential medicines in the country.
“In light of the scarcity of certain essential medicines in Pakistan, both the general public and hospitals have the option to apply for a NOC to directly import medications from India. As of now, there are no restrictions on importing any drugs from India under the Import Policy Order 2022,” stated DRAP officials during the meeting.
Within the session, Senator Roghani highlighted that doctors from Sindh and other provinces had shared an extensive list of medications, including Heparin and various drugs for treating neurological and psychiatric conditions, vaccines, and other biological products, all of which were unavailable in Pakistan.
DRAP officials responded by indicating that a nationwide assessment of unavailable medicines had been initiated, and they had instructed their field teams across the country to report any crucial medicines not accessible in healthcare facilities.
In their written response to the Senate Standing Committee on Health, DRAP mentioned their plans to publish a list of unavailable medicines along with contact details on their official website. This list would be regularly updated based on real-time market surveillance.
“DRAP has formed a dedicated committee to monitor drug shortages in the market. This committee is actively addressing the issue on a consistent basis. Additionally, individuals and hospitals can utilize an online application for NOC from DRAP to import medicines for personal use from any country, including India,” the written response detailed.
