The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has drafted a guideline on the storage and destruction of recalled therapeutic goods, which are medicines, medical devices, and health products that do not meet the quality standards or are deliberately misrepresented. The guideline aims to provide a framework for the safe and effective management of such goods, from their identification and reporting to their disposal and documentation.
The draft guideline covers the following aspects:
- The roles and responsibilities of different stakeholders, such as manufacturers, importers, distributors, health care providers, and regulators, in handling substandard and falsified as well as recalled therapeutic goods.
- The criteria for selecting suitable storage facilities and methods for defective therapeutic goods.
- The methods for destroying in an environmentally sound manner.
- The records and reports that need to be maintained and submitted.
The draft guideline is available on the DRAP website on 27th October, 2023 for public consultation. DRAP invites comments and feedback from all stakeholders, including the pharmaceutical industry, health professionals, civil society organizations, and the general public. Stakeholders can submit their comments and suggestions within 15 days of uploading this document using prescribed format. For further guidelines on how to submit comments visit DRAP website or click here. Comments and suggestions can be forwarded via email to ajmal.sohail∂dra.gov.pk, copying at sanaullah.babar∂dra.gov.pk, or can be posted at mailing address, Director, Quality Assurance & Lab Testing, Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan, 3rd floor TF Complex, 7th Mauve Area, G-9/4, Islamabad.
DRAP appreciates the cooperation and participation of all stakeholders in ensuring the quality, safety, and efficacy of therapeutic goods in Pakistan.