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National Hazardous Waste Management Policy 2022

Asad Ullah General, Notifications, Press Releases , , ,

The National Hazardous Waste Management Policy, 2022 of Pakistan is a set of guidelines for the environmentally sound management of solid and hazardous waste in the country. The Ministry of Climate Change has formulated this comprehensive national level policy through consultative process with relevant stakeholders. This Policy is aimed at acting as an umbrella document to address the issue of hazardous waste.

Pharmaceutical Industry being a potential source of generating hazardous material as byproduct of its manufacturing, research and development processes. These involve handling of various chemical compounds which may be toxic, reactive, flammable or otherwise hazardous to human health and environment Therefore, proper management of hazardous waste in pharmaceutical industry is crucial to protect human health and environment.

The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) in 167th meeting directed to upload the National Hazardous Waste Management Policy 2022 on its website for the information and awareness of pharmaceutical industry and other stakeholders.

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The National Pharmacovigilance Center, DRAP urge the manufacturers and importers to nominate Pharmacovigilance Officer to ensure safe use of drugs.

Ijaz Mustafa Drugs, General, Notifications, Pharmacovigilance , , , , , ,

Pharmacovigilance is the science and practice of monitoring the safety and efficacy of drugs, both before and after they are marketed. It is a vital aspect of ensuring public health and patient safety, as well as complying with regulatory requirements and ethical standards.

Pharmacovigilance officers are professionals who are responsible for collecting, analyzing, and reporting data on adverse drug reactions, drug interactions, and other potential safety issues. They also conduct risk assessments, implement risk management plans, and communicate with health authorities, health professionals, and patients.

The National Pharmacovigilance Centre at Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan urges the pharma industry to nominate or appoint pharmacovigilance officers for their products, as this will ensure the highest standards of quality and safety for their customers and patients. Pharmacovigilance is not only a legal obligation but also a social responsibility. Focusing on pharmacovigilance can enhance reputation, credibility, and competitiveness of a product in the global market.

According to the Pharmacovigilance Rules, 2022, notified by the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), it is the legal obligation of the pharma industry to nominate or appoint a pharmacovigilance officer for products registered under the DRAP Act, 2012. The pharmacovigilance officer is required to perform the following duties:

  • To collect, record, and report adverse events and other safety data related to the product to the National Pharmacovigilance Centre (NPC) within the specified time frame.
  • To conduct periodic safety update reports (PSURs) and risk-benefit assessments of the product and submit them to the NPC.
  • To implement risk management plans (RMPs) and risk minimization measures (RMMs) for the product as per the NPC’s recommendations.
  • To ensure compliance with the pharmacovigilance rules and guidelines issued by the NPC and DRAP.
  • To maintain pharmacovigilance records and documentation for at least 10 years.

“The NPC was established by DRAP in July 2022 under the Pharmacovigilance Rules, 2022, with the aim to enhance the pharmacovigilance activities in the country . The NPC is responsible for collecting, analyzing, monitoring, and preventing adverse effects of therapeutic goods, as well as reviewing and assessing safety data, conducting risk evaluations, and communicating with health authorities, health professionals, and patients. The NPC also provides training, guidance, and support to the provincial or regional pharmacovigilance centres, public health programs, and product registration holders.”

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Training on Pakistan Single Window for DRAP Module

Asad Ullah Drugs, Events, Licensing and Inspections, Regulatory Updates , , ,

Pakistan Single Window-PSW is working on the automation of trade-related business processes of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP). The existing business processes of issuance of License, Permits, Certificates and Others (LPCOs) by DRAP has been mapped in consultation with DRAP._

In this context, Pakistan Single Window-PSW would like to invite you for a hybrid Training Session for the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan-DRAP Module. In this session our Domain and System Experts will provide you the walkthrough of filling Entity Registration, License Registration (DML), Product Registration and SECP Verification.

The meeting is scheduled for Friday, 25th August 2023 from 03:30 PM till 04:30 PM. Manufacturers/DML holders working in Karachi are requested to join us physically at Main Conference Room, Fifth Floor, Bahria Complex-1, M.T Khan Road, Karachi.

Interested members are requested to register themselves by clicking below:
Registration Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_42ArK1qtS1Sf9Xm2bcTi9g

Relevant members of Pharma Industry and associations are encouraged to get themselves register for this session for better understanding of new module. Pease note, only registered members will be allowed to attend this training session.

Rapid Alert: Medical Devices; Unregistered Intravenous Medical Devices in the market

Asad Ullah Recall Alerts , , , , ,
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Rapid Alert

Unregistered Intravenous Medical Devices in the Market

DRAP Alert NoNo  I/S/08-23-31
Action Date10th August 2023
Target Audience1. Regulatory Field Force
2. Pharmacists and Chemists at Distribution, Pharmacies, and Medical Stores
3. Healthcare Professionals- Physicians, Pharmacists, and Nurses at hospitals and clinics etc.
4. General Public
Problem StatementThe Medical Device Rules 2017 provides the regulatory framework for medical devices in the country. SRO 224(I)/2023 dated 27-02-2023 extended the transition period for the registration of medical devices to licensed importers and manufacturers as per risk-based classifications. However, medical devices specified in Schedule D and E of this SRO are always mandatory to be registered with DRAP before marketing in the country. DRAP has received reports/complaints that some unregistered medical devices (e.g., IV cannulas, infusion sets, syringes, etc.) are being proliferated in the open market.

The product detail as under: –

Therapeutic Goods Affected:-

SrProduct NameManufacturer/importer
(as stated on label)		Illustration of unregistered medical devices
1Euro Plus Infusion SetApex Medical Devices

2Chiron Infusion SetNot mentioned
3Health Plus Infusion SetNot mentioned
4O’Divine Infusion SetNot mentioned
5Cath-Tec I.V CannulaNilhol Enterprises
East Lane Business Park Wemby, UK
6Healthflon I.V. CannulaHealthylife medical equipment Trading,
Alfajar Business Centre, airport road, Dubai, UAE
Risk Statement:The use of unregistered medical devices poses significant risks to patients as they may not meet the necessary standards of safety, quality, and performance. Such medical devices can be nonsterile, or their sterility can be compromised from damage during shipping and storage. The hazards associated with the use of unregistered medical device includes inaccurate or unreliable results, Infection or other adverse reactions, Failure of the device’s intended purpose, and Injury or death.
Action InitiatedThe Regulatory Field Force has been directed to increase the surveillance activities at Health facilities (Hospitals) in addition to markets and confiscate these products where available. All Pharmacists and chemists working at distributions and Pharmacies should immediately check the stock and stop supplying these products. Any remaining stock should be quarantined immediately, and supplier(s) information should be provided to the Regulatory field force (DRAP, Provincial Health Departments, and States) in order to ensure the removal of these unregistered products.
Advice for Healthcare Professionals-DRAP requests increased vigilance at hospitals and within the supply chains of institutions/pharmacies/healthcare facilities likely to be affected by these products.

-Procurement staff in healthcare settings must obtain the registration status of medical devices falling in schedules D and E of the Medical Device Rules, 2017, from the suppliers. It’s imperative to note that authorized manufacturers and importers hold the exclusive right to provide medical devices in the market.

-Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product shall be reported to the National Pharmacovigilance Centre (NPC), DRAP using Adverse Event Reporting Form or online through this link.

-Please click here for further information on problem reporting to DRAP.
Advice for ConsumersConsumers should stop using this product and shall contact to their physician or healthcare provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to taking or using this drug product and report the incident to the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan / National Pharmacovigilance Centre.

All therapeutic goods must be obtained from licensed pharmacies and other authorized/licensed retail outlets. The authenticity and condition of products should be carefully checked. Seek advice from your pharmacists or other healthcare professionals in case of any doubt.

Stakeholders Comments are invited on the Draft Guidelines for Good Cold Chain Management Practices for Temperature-Sensitive Drug Products

Asad Ullah Drugs, General , , ,

The supply chain of Time and Temperature Sensitive Drug Products (TTSDPs) requires constant maintenance of temperature so that the cold chain remains integral to ensure that the product quality is not compromised. Registration holders of TTSDPs including manufacturers, Importers and exporters along with their authorized distributors, are required to provide suitable storage conditions throughout the life cycle of the product under the Drugs (Licensing, Registering & Advertising) Rules, 1976. Similarly, Pharmacies, Medical stores and other authorized sale outlets, and healthcare institutions are also required to provide suitable storage and distribution while dispensing TTSDPs under relevant provincial drug sale rules.

DRAP has drafted this guidelines to set out the principal requirements for the safe storage and distribution of time- and temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical products (TTSDPs). These guidelines intended to emphasize the increased importance of pharmaceutical cold chain management as a result of changing product environment, the requirements for Good Storage and Distribution Practices, current regulatory trends, quality management, risk assessment factors, and temperature monitoring system.

This draft guideline is uploaded on the official website of DRAP dated on 27th March, 2023, for seeking comments and suggestions from stakeholders on the draft document. Stakeholders can submit their comments and suggestions within 15 days of uploading this document using prescribed format. For further guidelines on how to submit comments visit DRAP website or click here. Comments and suggestions can be forwarded via email to ajmal.sohail∂dra.gov.pk, copying at akbar.ali∂dra.gov.pk, or can be posted at mailing address, Director, Quality Assurance & Lab Testing, Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan, 3rd floor TF Complex, 7th Mauve Area, G-9/4, Islamabad.

Draft_Guidance_on_Cold_Chain_Practices_FormattedDownload

Proposed Amendments in the Rules: Stakeholders Comments are invited on Draft Amendments in the Drugs (Research) Rules, 1978

Asad Ullah Drugs, Notifications , , ,

The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has issued a proposal to amend the current version of the Drugs (Research) Rules, 1978. These draft amendments are herby notified seeking comments from stakeholders.

Stakeholders can submit their comments within 14 (fourteen) days of the publication of this Notification using prescribed format, via email to aamar.latif∂dra.gov.pk, or can be posted at mailing address, Additional Director, Division of Legal Affairs, Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan, 1st floor, TF Complex, 7th Mauve Area, G-9/4, Islamabad. Further information on comments submission can be accessed on this link.

Notification-of-Draft-Amendments-in-the-Drug-Research-Rules-1978-1Download

Notification: Directions of Registration Board on Labeling Requirements of Drug Products to Comply Pharmacopeial Specifications for Dissolution Testing

Asad Ullah Drugs, Notifications, Regulatory Updates , , ,

Registration Board in its 323rd meeting observed that various USP monographs for drug products prescribe more than one dissolution tests and that the pharmacopoeia in such cases recommends that “When more than one Dissolution Test is given, the labeling states the Dissolution Test used only if Test 1 is not used.”

Keeping in the USP labeling requirements narrated above and to comply to the Pharmacopeial specifications, the Board decided as under:

“The manufacturer shall mention the dissolution test Number on the secondary packing / unit carton of product for dissolution tests No 2,3 or 4 as per requirement of USP otherwise it would be presumed that dissolution test No.1 shall be performed on the finished product.”

Accordingly, the decision of Registration Board is circulated for information and compliance by relevant stakeholders / manufacturers.

Notification: Directions of Registration Board on Reference Product data submissions for conducting Pharmaceutical Equivalence and Comparative Dissolution Profile Studies

Asad Ullah Drugs, Notifications , , ,

Registration Board of DRAP has issued a Guidance document for applicants on submission of application on form 5-F (CTD) for registration of pharmaceutical drug products for human use. Submission of data of pharmaceutical equivalence and Comparative Dissolution Profile (CDP) is required under section 3.2.P.2.2.1 (Formulation Development) of Form 5F (CTD).

In order to further harmonize the submission of such data and ensure data integrity, Registration Board in its 322nd meeting held on 8th & 10th November, 2022 decided as under:

“Firm shall submit the image/picture/snapshot of the innovator/reference/comparator pack against which Pharmaceutical equivalence / Comparative Dissolution Profile studies have been performed and shall reveal the details of brand name, manufacturer, batch# and expiry date of the innovator/reference/comparator product in the section 3.2.P.2.2.1 (Formulation development) of Form 5F.“

Accordingly, above decision of Registration Board is hereby notified and circulated for information and compliance by relevant stakeholders / applicants.