Islamabad: The Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination has announced a significant milestone for Pakistan’s healthcare system. The Central Drugs Laboratory in Karachi, part of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), has been awarded World Health Organization (WHO) Prequalification, elevating its pharmaceutical testing services to meet international standards.

According to Press Information Department, this certification confirms that DRAP’s testing capabilities align with the stringent global benchmarks set by the WHO, ensuring that the therapeutic goods tested at the facility are both safe and effective. Syed Mustafa Kamal, Federal Minister for National Health Services, praised the leadership of DRAP and the Central Drugs Laboratory’s technical team for their commitment to regulatory excellence. He emphasized that this achievement is a pivotal part of the government’s broader health reform agenda.

Minister Kamal stated that the WHO Prequalification is a historic achievement for Pakistan, marking a shift from a “sick-care” to a “health-care” system focused on prevention and quality. He highlighted the importance of this milestone for the national economy and the “Made in Pakistan” brand. The international validation not only protects public health but also enhances the competitiveness of Pakistan’s pharmaceutical industry on the global stage, fostering trust among healthcare providers and patients.

The Ministry remains dedicated to modernizing the National Regulatory System to protect patients from substandard and falsified medicines. The Secretary of Health affirmed continued support for DRAP’s efforts toward WHO global benchmarking of the National Regulatory System, ensuring Pakistan’s leadership in regional health regulation. This achievement is a significant advancement in the government’s mission to provide equitable access to high-quality healthcare for all citizens.