To curb the proliferation of unregistered and unlicensed drugs, the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has digitized the registration of 90,000 drugs and the licences of 650 pharmaceutical companies.
This digital transformation will streamline the process for companies seeking to register or license new drugs while eliminating the need for physical visits to DRAP offices.
Under the new system, companies will be able to apply for drug registration and licensing online. This will not only reduce the administrative burden, but will expedite the approval process.
The digitized system will also facilitate the registration and licensing of new drugs from multinational companies.
DRAP registers an average of 6,000 to 7,000 new drugs annually and grants licences to approximately 15 new pharmaceutical companies each year.
The digitization of the registration and licensing process is expected to enhance efficiency, reduce delays, and promote transparency within the pharmaceutical sector.