THE health and OTC division of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) was set up in 2014 to regulate homoeopathy and other forms of alternative medicine. It is its responsibility to ensure quality of alternative medicines and to register them.

Five years into its existence, the health and OTC division has failed to make much progress. The manufacturers and importers who have to deal with it complain of sloppy work and lethargic attitudes.

Even on demand, the minutes are not provided to the applicants in violation of Article 19-A of the Constitution, which guarantees people’s right to access to information held by public bodies.

The staff of the division does not follow DRAP’s stated policy. According to the DRAP policy, the alternative medicines included in the pharmacopoeias adopted vide alternative medicines and health product enlistment rules 2014, are exempt from detailed scrutiny and will be registered on the provision of a registration certificate with the health authority concerned of the country of origin. But in practice, they do not adhere to this policy.

While the officials delay approving applications for the registration of medicines, DRAP continues intimidating the stakeholders by issuing public notices, warning against the sale/purchase of unregistered/unlisted alternative medicines, terming the activity unlawful.

Will the ministry concerned look into the matter?

Ahmad Fakir Muhammad

Karachi

Published in Dawn, January 3rd, 2020