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Islamabad, June 08, 2012 (PPI-OT): Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan, Federal Minister for National Regulations and Services said that all efforts would be made to make the process of granting drug manufacturing licenses transparent.
The minister said this while chairing the meeting of the Central Licensing Board. It was the 228th meeting of Central Licensing Board (CLB) and the first ever after the promulgation of Drug Regulatory Agency of Pakistan Ordinance.
The meeting was attended by representatives from all provincial governments, 9 expert members from the field of pharmaceutical production, Quality Control, Pharmacy education and representatives from Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturer’s Association, Pharma Bureau, Pakistan Chemists and Druggist Association also attended the meeting as observers.
Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan in her inaugural speech said that today CLB is functional after a gap of more than a year. The Government of Pakistan will ensure that Drug Regulatory Agency of Pakistan along with stakeholders would meet the expectations of public.
She also said that the establishment of the DRAP shows the commitment of the Government to provide safe, efficacious and quality medicines to ailing humanity at the affordable price.
Although DRAP is at infancy stage but with the cooperation and support of the stakeholders, including provincial governments, Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association, Pharma Bureau, Pakistan Chemists and Druggists Association, Pakistan Medical Devices Manufacturers Association and Association of Alternative Medicines, it will not only give ownership to industry but also provide services to ailing population through dedication, honesty and innovation in the field.
During the meeting, CLB considered 13 cases for grant of Drug Manufacturing Licenses (DML), 17 cases for grant of additional sections and 16 cases for renewal of DMLs will also be considered.
After discussion, it was decided that these manufacturing units will be re-inspected for confirmation of their manufacturing facilities as per international standards. For this purpose it was decided that a new panel of experts would be constituted that would take four weeks to complete the process of evaluation.
“This process is must in order to redress loopholes if any”, said the minister.
Moreover, the board also considered various cases of quality control and decisions were made as per Drug Act, 1976.
“One of the preferences of the present government is to eradicate manufacturing of fake medicines and not to compromise on quality”, said Dr Firdous.
For routine functioning, the board also delegated different powers to its Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Secretary.
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