Health minister unveils app for medicines availability

KARACHI: Dr Nadeem Jan, the Caretaker Federal Minister for National Health Services, announced on Tuesday the launch of a drug app aimed at ensuring the availability of medicines across the country.

Speaking during his visit to the Karachi Drug Testing Laboratory, Dr Jan said his ministry took measures for registering essential medicines such as those for diabetes, hypertension, and critical conditions on an emergency basis, besides introducing significant reforms in the health services sector.

Ensuring affordability of medicines for the people remained a top priority for the government, said Dr Jan, reiterating the caretaker government's stance against the sale of substandard drugs and medication hoarding.

Dr Jan highlighted efforts to enhance the accessibility and transparency of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (Drap), mentioning the digitization of registration and licencing processes. He emphasized the importance of promoting meritocracy and transparency within the authority.

The minister lauded the modernization of the Karachi Drug Testing Laboratory, expressing satisfaction with its upgraded capabilities. He stressed the laboratory's vital role in eliminating counterfeit and unregistered medicines from the market, and in ensuring the supply of quality drugs.

Dr. Jan also mentioned ongoing initiatives to boost medical exports, affirming the government's intention to facilitating practical measures in this regard.

During the visit, the Drap CEO briefed the minister on the laboratory's functions and capabilities, further demonstrating the government's commitment to upholding standards in the pharmaceutical sector.