Recent
regulatory reforms and improvements in enforcement is causing difficulties for
violators of Drug regulations and laws. The government is sincerely
implementing the approved policies agreed with stakeholders to sustain supply
of medicines for people. Our Drug Pricing Policy was developed with
stakeholders as a transparent, fair and aimed to ensure the supply of medicines
for public. The federal cabinet approved annual increase @ 2.08 % for scheduled
drugs and 2.91% for non-scheduled drugs according to consumer price index in
line with is international practice. It is totally incorrect that after Drug
Pricing Policy since 2015, price were ever increased by 15% or so. The allegations of embezzlement of record is
also totally baseless and without any substance. There is no record missing
from DRAP pricing or registration rather DRAP has started process for
computerizing the decades old manual records, for improving the existing manual
system for automation and transparency, which is disturbing miscreants.
The
spokesperson said Registration Board registered Dengue vaccine a few months
back after recommendations of WHO for countries having high prevalence of
dengue. Same vaccine is recently registered in 17 countries of world including
Australia, Brazil, Indonesia etc. After news of Philippines regarding adverse
effects of dengue vaccine in routine immunization program, Registration Board
again reviewed recent recommendations of WHO and decided to adopt latest WHO
guidelines for the administration of Dengue vaccine under strict medical
supervision as it is not banned in any part of the world. It is pertinent to
mention further that Dengue vaccine will be available in market after fixation
of price. However, final decision will be taken keeping in view parameters of
safety, efficacy and quality and in consultation with provincial governments,
so that patients could be saved especially who are exposed second time to
dengue virus which is more fatal. Responding to WHO alert on Celias milk powder
recall, a strong and urgent approach was adopted by DRAP and Ministry of National
Health Services, Regulations & Coordination in close collaboration with WHO
country office and their international center and accordingly the concerned
batches were immediately recovered. Companies, federal and provincial health
departments published the recall advertisements and directives. It was also
directed to Federal and Provincial inspectors through respective health
departments to immediately coordinate and enforce the recall. Resultantly an
effective recall was arranged. WHO also appreciated the timely actions taken by
DRAP. Unfortunately, an inspector who was also sent directive for action but
instead of that after 2 days of directives attempted to make recall efforts
disputed and confused through un-official and wrong communications. DRAP has an
efficient mechanism for public health concern medicines and disposed of all
such pending applications including hepatitis, etc. It is important to inform
that person claiming as President YPA is involved in heinous crime of illegal
manufacturing of banned sex drugs (dapoxetine) under the name of
Everlongalongwith unauthorized manufacturing of about 13 unregistered drugs
(Esper 40/30, Sankol Plus, Penboll Plus, Syrup MT.D, Chill tablet, M.Plus
tablet, Samprid tablet, multiple brands of Letrozolewith brand names of REAP
capsule, LINK tablet, LINK capsule and LEENA tablet) and violations of
licensing rules. Recently Government of Baluchistan has sent a reference to
DRAP highlighting that M/s Everest has launched more 10 un-registered products
which are hazardous for ailing patients. As soon DRAP initiated action against
these illegal drugs, these unscrupulous elements has initiated another false
campaign for their ulterior motives to pressurize DRAP officers.
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