Author: Ijaz Mustafa
Acceptance of IAEA technical reports on radiopharmaceuticals as regulatory reference
Tender for Supply of Lab Chemicals, Glassware, equipment and reference standards for National Control Laboratory for Biologicals (NCLB), Islamabad during the FY 2023-24
Tender for Office Supplies; Prequalification of companies / firms/ suppliers for provision of stationery and general office supplies.
116th Meeting of Enlistment Evaluation Committee (EEC); Notice for Submission of Deficient Information / Documents
The 116th meeting of Enlistment Evaluation Committee (EEC), Division of Health and OTC, DRAP was held on 23rd May, 2023. The detailed of applications which required further information and documentation is attached hereunder for information by all stakeholders.
114th Meeting of Enlistment Evaluation Committee (EEC); Notice for Submission of Deficient Information / Documents
The 114th meeting of Enlistment Evaluation Committee (EEC), Division of Health and OTC, DRAP was held on 26-27 January, 2023. The detailed of applications which required further information and documentation is attached hereunder for information by all stakeholders.
115th Meeting of Enlistment Evaluation Committee (EEC); Notice for Submission of Deficient Information / Documents
The 115th meeting of Enlistment Evaluation Committee (EEC), Division of Health and OTC, DRAP was held on 23 February 2023. The detailed of applications which required further information and documentation is attached hereunder for information by all stakeholders.
FIFO Applications List for the Provisional Enlistment of Alternative Medicines and Health Products
The Division of Health & OTC (non-drugs) is responsible for performing the enlistment of manufacturers, importers and their products under the Alternative Medicines and Health Product (Enlistment) Rules 2014.
The Division of Health & OTC, DRAP has published FIFO lists of applications received for the provisional enlistment of various categories of alternative medicines and health products. These lists contain the details of the applicants, the proposed name of the products and date of submission of application.
These lists are intended to provide transparency and accountability to the stakeholders and the public regarding the processing of the applications. It also aims to facilitate the applicants to follow up on their applications.
The list of pending applications can be accessed from the following link:
The National Pharmacovigilance Center, DRAP urge the manufacturers and importers to nominate Pharmacovigilance Officer to ensure safe use of drugs.
Pharmacovigilance is the science and practice of monitoring the safety and efficacy of drugs, both before and after they are marketed. It is a vital aspect of ensuring public health and patient safety, as well as complying with regulatory requirements and ethical standards.
Pharmacovigilance officers are professionals who are responsible for collecting, analyzing, and reporting data on adverse drug reactions, drug interactions, and other potential safety issues. They also conduct risk assessments, implement risk management plans, and communicate with health authorities, health professionals, and patients.
The National Pharmacovigilance Centre at Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan urges the pharma industry to nominate or appoint pharmacovigilance officers for their products, as this will ensure the highest standards of quality and safety for their customers and patients. Pharmacovigilance is not only a legal obligation but also a social responsibility. Focusing on pharmacovigilance can enhance reputation, credibility, and competitiveness of a product in the global market.
According to the Pharmacovigilance Rules, 2022, notified by the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), it is the legal obligation of the pharma industry to nominate or appoint a pharmacovigilance officer for products registered under the DRAP Act, 2012. The pharmacovigilance officer is required to perform the following duties:
- To collect, record, and report adverse events and other safety data related to the product to the National Pharmacovigilance Centre (NPC) within the specified time frame.
- To conduct periodic safety update reports (PSURs) and risk-benefit assessments of the product and submit them to the NPC.
- To implement risk management plans (RMPs) and risk minimization measures (RMMs) for the product as per the NPC’s recommendations.
- To ensure compliance with the pharmacovigilance rules and guidelines issued by the NPC and DRAP.
- To maintain pharmacovigilance records and documentation for at least 10 years.
“The NPC was established by DRAP in July 2022 under the Pharmacovigilance Rules, 2022, with the aim to enhance the pharmacovigilance activities in the country . The NPC is responsible for collecting, analyzing, monitoring, and preventing adverse effects of therapeutic goods, as well as reviewing and assessing safety data, conducting risk evaluations, and communicating with health authorities, health professionals, and patients. The NPC also provides training, guidance, and support to the provincial or regional pharmacovigilance centres, public health programs, and product registration holders.”
Relocation of Manufacturing Units from Residential Area to Industrial Area
DRAP issued directions to the manufacturers vide No.F.1-78/2018-DD(H&OTC)(Pt) dated 2nd September, 2019 for those whose manufacturing units were situated in the residential area to relocate their manufacturing sites to the industrial areas to ensure the environmental safety and protection of public health. Following DRAP guidelines, another large manufacturer of alternative medicines has relocated its facility from a residential to an industrial area. Consequently, EEC has cancelled previous enlistment certificates (Form-6 and Form-7) and issued revised enlistment certificate for the new manufacturing site in the residential area.