Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has inaugurated a new digital system for the registration and licensing of medical devices in Pakistan. The launch ceremony took place at the Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC) in Lahore, attended by Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal and representatives from the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP).
Addressing the audience, the Prime Minister expressed concern over a recent investigation that exposed severe negligence at PIC. A DRAP report revealed that staff at the hospital dispensed malaria medication instead of providing proper treatment for heart patients, which contributed to a rise in fatalities.
Terming it "criminal negligence," the Prime Minister emphasized the need for immediate reforms.
The newly launched digital system, he said, will issue registration certificates within 20 days, significantly streamlining the process and reducing bureaucratic delays. He praised the Health Ministry for digitizing its operations, calling it a major step toward transparency and efficiency.
In his speech, Health Minister Mustafa Kamal highlighted the rising number of cancer cases among children, blaming 68% of diseases on unsafe drinking water. He described the condition of pediatric wards as "heartbreaking" and stressed the importance of preventive healthcare.
He reiterated that no exemptions will be allowed in regulating medical devices from wheelchairs to MRI machines and DRAP is committed to strict enforcement. The Minister concluded by assuring the public of the government’s dedication to improving healthcare and credited the current leadership for steering the country in the right direction.
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