The Healthcare Industry, comprising various sectors, is interlinked and highly dependent on frequent interactions, coordination, and supportive activities for a sustainable healthcare environment. Among this industry, therapeutic goods establishments and healthcare professionals are two important stakeholders and their interaction is vital and prone to criticism due to its repercussions on patients and the public.
To ensure innovation, progress, and improvement in healthcare and healthcare products while preserving professional ethics and transparency, the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has taken significant steps in line with the provision of Section 7(q) of the DRAP ACT 2012, which mandated the Authority to monitor and regulate marketing practices to ensure the rational use of drugs and ethical criteria for the promotion of therapeutic goods in line with international practices. In exercising this function, DRAP has notified the “Ethical Marketing to Healthcare Professionals Rules 2021” via S.R.O. 1472(I)/2021 on the 12th of November 2021. These rules outline the major forms of interaction between companies and healthcare professionals.
To facilitate the implementation, DRAP has developed a draft guideline on submitting expenditure details related to marketing activities targeted towards healthcare professionals to provide clarity and ensure compliance with the Ethical Marketing to Healthcare Professionals Rules 2021.
These guidelines are uploaded on the official website of DRAP on the 9th of August, 2024 to seek comments and suggestions from stakeholders on the draft document. Stakeholders can submit their comments and suggestions within 15 days of uploading this document using the prescribed format. For further guidelines on how to submit comments visit the DRAP website or click here. Comments and suggestions can be forwarded via email to aqsa.hashmi∂dra.gov.pk or can be posted at the mailing address, Director, Division of Pharmacy Services, Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan, Prime Minister National Health Complex, Park Road, Chak Shehzad, Islamabad.