Islamabad, July 21, 2025 (TNS): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Monday launched a new digital licensing and registration system for medical devices, calling it a major step toward transforming Pakistan’s healthcare sector. He emphasized the need for a sector-wide revolution through unity, determination, and coordinated action by all stakeholders.
Addressing the launch ceremony, the prime minister said the newly introduced digital platform would ensure a transparent, efficient, and merit-based registration process. Under the system, applications for medical equipment and service registration will now be processed within 20 days.
Criticizing the historical inefficiencies of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), the prime minister quipped, “I used to call it ‘Drag’ instead of DRAP because it dragged the process not for months but for years — and we all know why.”
Referring to past failures, he recalled the 2012 Punjab Institute of Cardiology tragedy during his tenure as Punjab chief minister, where dozens of patients died due to substandard cardiovascular drugs. “Tests later revealed the medicines were intended for malaria, not heart patients — a result of DRAP’s poor oversight,” he said.
Despite these shortcomings, the prime minister praised the current DRAP leadership. “The appointment of the current CEO of DRAP was made purely on merit. He is a capable and professional individual, and I commend him and his team for this achievement,” he said.
Shehbaz Sharif also credited Major General (retd) Azhar Mahmood Kayani for his transformational leadership at the Rawalpindi Institute of Cardiology, calling it an example of how dedication can uplift public health institutions.
He further highlighted his past efforts in Punjab to improve healthcare delivery, including substantial budget allocations for free medicines during 2014–15. “Initially, 60% of the drug samples were substandard, but strict enforcement ensured the provision of quality medicines. We also established laboratories across the province to serve the underprivileged,” he added.
Appreciating the work of Federal Health Minister Dr. Mustafa Kamal, the prime minister acknowledged his role in reviving closed hospitals and pushing forward health sector reforms. “While the challenges are steep, they are not insurmountable,” he said. “We may face mountain-sized obstacles, but with determination and hard work, progress is inevitable.”
He expressed confidence that with collective efforts, Pakistan could achieve its rightful place among developed nations.
In his remarks, Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination Dr. Mustafa Kamal said the new digital system would slash the registration period for medical devices — previously spanning several years — to just 20 days.
He emphasized that the online process is fully automated and removes human interaction, enabling applicants to submit documents and receive certificates from home. “This initiative guarantees transparency, efficiency, and access to safe and high-quality medical devices,” he noted.
The minister also addressed broader healthcare issues such as rapid population growth and waterborne diseases. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tackling these through public-private partnerships and a stronger primary healthcare network to ease pressure on major hospitals.
Kamal added that the new system would cover the registration of all medical devices — from wheelchairs to MRI machines — marking a significant step in modernizing the regulatory landscape.
