Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif officially launched Pakistan’s Digital System for Licencing and Registration of Medical Devices on Monday, a significant step toward modernizing the country’s healthcare regulatory framework. This new initiative is designed to accelerate the registration process for life-saving medical devices and diagnostic products, addressing long-standing inefficiencies and delays.
The launch ceremony, held in Islamabad, marked a turning point in the ongoing struggle with medical device approvals in Pakistan. In recent months, concerns had been mounting over the sluggish pace at which the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (Drap) processed applications. The Healthcare Devices Association of Pakistan had highlighted the issue earlier this year, stating that delays in registration were causing financial losses to importers and directly affecting patient care in public and private hospitals.
In his address, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that the digital system will ensure a swift and transparent registration process, aiming to resolve applications within 20 days. He emphasized the importance of efficiency in regulatory mechanisms, asserting that timely decisions are now achievable through a fully digitized and merit-based framework.
Sharif took the opportunity to critique Drap’s past performance, stating that the authority had earned the nickname “Drag” due to its slow and inefficient handling of medical device registrations. Referring to past challenges during his tenure as Chief Minister of Punjab, he recounted a tragic incident where Drap’s oversight of malaria medication resulted in the deaths of heart patients at the Punjab Institute of Cardiology.
He also mentioned previous efforts to improve healthcare access, such as allocating large budgets in 2014–15 for free medicines in public hospitals. However, quality assurance remained an issue, with 60 percent of sampled drugs failing to meet required standards. In response, Sharif introduced measures to establish laboratories across the province to ensure the distribution of safe and effective medications.
He stressed that transforming the health sector is not an unattainable dream. While the challenges are considerable, the Prime Minister expressed confidence that consistent effort and strong political will can overcome systemic hurdles. “Hard work does not go in vain,” he said, urging stakeholders to support the reforms.
Federal Minister for Health, Dr. Nadeem Jan, also spoke at the event. He outlined how the digital system has cut down the typical registration timeline from several months to just 20 days. The entire process is now contactless, with certificates issued online, eliminating the need for applicants to physically visit Drap offices.
The minister added that the government is working to address broader health challenges such as population pressure and waterborne diseases through improved resource management and public-private partnerships. The new system covers a wide range of medical technologies, from basic mobility aids like wheelchairs to complex imaging equipment such as MRI machines. Citizens can now apply for licensing and registration of medical devices from the comfort of their homes.
This development is expected to not only increase transparency but also promote innovation and investment in Pakistan’s medical technology sector. The government hopes that this modernization effort will pave the way for a more responsive and efficient healthcare system across the country.
