ISLAMABAD: The federal government has reconstituted the policy board of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), appointing six respected and controversy-free experts from key health and pharmaceutical fields. The move aims to strengthen oversight at a time when medicine quality, pricing and supply have become serious national issues.
According to a notification issued by the Ministry of National Health Services, the new expert members have been appointed for a two-year term. They have been directed to attend meetings in person to ensure stronger governance and more accountable decision-making.
Federal Health Secretary Hamed Yaqoob Shaikh will chair the new board, which serves as DRAP’s highest decision-making body. The board sets regulatory policy, approves budgets, and ensures that standards for medicines, vaccines and medical devices align with international benchmarks. Its decisions directly influence the availability, affordability and quality of therapeutic goods across Pakistan.
Among the newly inducted members is Lt Gen (retd) Nigar Johar, appointed as the expert on health management. The former surgeon general of the Pakistan Army is recognised for her leadership in managing major public hospitals and large health systems within the armed forces.
For health finance and economics, the government has selected Muhammad Afzal Bhatti, Managing Director of the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation. His experience in financial planning, development programmes and social protection is expected to help strengthen the link between health sector spending and long-term economic stability.
Representing Sindh, Dr Naseem Salahuddin, professor emeritus at the Indus Hospital and Health Network, joins as the expert on pharmacology and biotechnology. Also from Sindh, Dr Izhar Hussain, head of the Institute of Biological, Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, has been appointed as an expert in drug manufacturing and quality control.
Officials expressed confidence that the revamped board will provide clearer direction for DRAP as it moves to tighten regulatory mechanisms and restore public trust in the country’s pharmaceutical oversight system.