The Government of Pakistan is preparing to modernize the Pharmacy Act while fully digitalizing the operations of the Pharmacy Council of Pakistan, in a move aimed at aligning pharmacy education and professional regulation with international standards. The initiative is expected to strengthen the country’s healthcare framework, enhance the quality of medicines, and improve overall patient safety.
Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, Syed Mustafa Kamal, led discussions on reforms that focus on pharmacy education, professional training, and regulatory oversight. The discussions included key officials from the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), including the Director General (Health) and the Director of Pharmacy Services, highlighting a coordinated approach between regulatory bodies and the government.
A high-level technical committee will be formed to review the existing legal framework and propose amendments to the Pharmacy Act. The review will cover multiple aspects of pharmacy regulation, including the licensing of pharmacy professionals, educational standards for pharmacy graduates, and the monitoring of pharmaceutical practices across Pakistan. The aim is to ensure that pharmacy professionals are equipped to meet both national healthcare requirements and international standards, supporting global competitiveness in Pakistan’s pharmaceutical sector.
The modernization plan also seeks to improve the quality and safety of medicines available in the market. By updating the regulatory framework, the government intends to reduce the risks of counterfeit medicines, ensure compliance with international manufacturing standards, and promote research and innovation within the pharmacy sector. Strengthening regulatory oversight is expected to enhance public trust in the healthcare system and ensure better outcomes for patients.
In parallel, the Minister directed the President of the Pharmacy Council to fully digitalize all council operations. This digital transformation will cover functions such as registration and licensing of pharmacy professionals, monitoring of educational institutions, and reporting of compliance and regulatory data. The move is expected to improve transparency, reduce administrative bottlenecks, and enhance the efficiency of the council’s operations nationwide. Digitalization will also facilitate real-time data tracking, allowing policymakers to make more informed decisions about workforce planning and healthcare resource allocation.
The government’s focus on digitalization aligns with broader national efforts to modernize public services and promote e-governance in the healthcare sector. By combining legal reforms with technology-driven solutions, Pakistan aims to create a more accountable, efficient, and globally competitive pharmacy sector. Experts note that such reforms are critical for ensuring that pharmacy graduates are not only professionally competent but also able to contribute to innovations in healthcare delivery, medicine safety, and pharmaceutical research.
This initiative is expected to have a lasting impact on Pakistan’s healthcare ecosystem. Improved regulatory standards and digital monitoring will strengthen the overall governance of pharmaceutical services, enhance professional accountability, and create opportunities for international collaboration in healthcare education and research. By bringing pharmacy education and regulation in line with international best practices, Pakistan is positioning itself to meet the growing healthcare needs of its population while ensuring compliance with global standards.
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