2 min read
The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan, known as DRAP, is moving faster than ever. The regulator says licensing approvals that once took years are now being completed in days. The change follows a broad reform drive focused on modernizing internal systems and cutting long-standing delays.
Speaking about the progress, DRAP Chief Executive Officer Dr. Ubaidullah said the authority has seen a fundamental shift in how work is handled. He explained that the full digitalization of the licensing process has removed many manual steps. As a result, applications now move through the system at a much higher speed.
According to him, the new digital framework has sharply reduced approval timelines. It has also improved transparency and made decision-making more consistent. In the past, companies often faced long and uncertain waits. Now, most key processes are completed within days.
Dr. Ubaidullah also credited the government for supporting these reforms. He said this backing played a major role in DRAP’s recent performance gains. He added that the authority remains committed to further improving its regulatory services.
He noted that DRAP is now in a stronger position to expand access to quality medicines. Approval delays, once a major concern, have been significantly reduced. This has helped ensure that essential medicines reach the market on time.
On the subject of vaccines, Dr. Ubaidullah said the quality of locally sourced vaccine components in Pakistan is improving. At the same time, efforts are being made to increase vaccine availability across the country.
He added that Pakistan is moving closer to building local vaccine manufacturing capacity. This progress is being supported by provincial and international governments. The goal is to stabilize supply chains and improve self-reliance in the healthcare sector.
