Discussions held with Pakistan on pharmaceutical trade facilitation

Discussions have been held with Pakistan’s Drug Regulatory Authority (DRAP) on pharmaceutical trade facilitation.

The discussions took place during an ongoing visit to Pakistani capital, Islamabad, by a high-level delegation from Ministry of Health.

In this regard, the delegation met with DRAP’s Chief Executive Officer and Director General.

The discussions between the two sides centered on areas of collaboration including pharmaceutical trade facilitation and regulatory cooperation in the health sector.

There have been mounting complaints from the public over difficulties in procuring essential medications required for common health issues. 

Amid these complaints, State Trading Organization (STO) entered into an agreement with HLL Lifecare Ltd, run under India's Health and Family Welfare, to procure medication at a cheaper price without interruption.

Speaking during a record-breaking long press conference in May, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu attributed the shortage of essential medicines back then to businesses deliberately stopping their import.

He said efforts were being made to resolve the issue.

Decreasing the prices of medicine and eliminating medical mafia is an electoral pledge of President Muizzu. However, no positive change has been witnessed in this trajectory yet.