ISLAMABAD: The controversy over giving the additional charge of federal drug inspectors (FDIs) by the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (Drap) to newly-appointed additional directors (ADs) has finally reached the Islamabad High Court (IHC).

The court on Friday issued notices to the Ministry of National Health Services (NHS) and Drap besides directing to make the ADs a party in the case.

A few months ago, Drap had given the additional charge of FDIs to 10 ADs who were appointed in March this year. This drew criticism from different circles as a minimum of 10 years’ experience is required for a person to become a drug inspector. FDIs can seal factories or a drug and take action against pharmaceutical companies for violations of rules.

IHC orders to make the assistant directors a party in the case

Taking up a petition against the move, Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani on Friday sought reply from the ministry and Drap.

Advocate Khawaja Mohammad Farooq, who filed the petition, told Dawn that according to rules the drug inspectors should possess a degree in pharmacy and have an experience of not less than 10 years practical work in manufacturing, testing or analysing drugs or drug administration.

“The rules also provide that the condition of experience may be relaxed in exceptionally deserving cases for persons with high qualifications. Besides, if there is no one available in a far-flung area such as Quetta and Fata, a candidate having eight or even five years’ experience can be appointed,” he said.

“In the court, I contended that 10 posts became vacant a few months ago but rather than advertising the vacancies Drap gave the additional charge to the recently-appointed assistant directors,” he said.

“The FDIs not only have to check violations but also have to guide manufacturers to adopt proper procedures for manufacturing drugs. I have requested the court to declare the notification giving the additional charge to the Ads illegal because it will create risk for the health of the drug consumers,” he said.

Mr Khawaja said the court ordered that the ADs should also be made a party in the case. When contacted, Drap Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr Mohammad Aslam said all the ADs held B. Pharmacy degrees and fulfilled the requirement of qualifications.

“We had 14 FDIs but the World Health Organisation recommended increasing the number to ensure the quality of medicines across the country. Moreover, there were some complaints against the existing FDIs. We had advertised the posts and started the process to appoint eight FDIs but the process was challenged in the IHC which issued a stay order,” he said.

“It is correct that the ADs, who are in grade 17 and have been given the additional charge, do not have the required experience. But in exceptional cases experience can be ignored. Moreover, we have limited the powers of the ADs who will not be able to seal a factory or any drugs. They will carry out surveys and in case of any violation will submit reports,” he said.

“Moreover, the additional charge can be withdrawn any time. We will soon advertise the posts again and start the process of appointment of fulltime FDIs in grade 18,” he said.

Published in Dawn, October 14th, 2017

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