ISLAMABAD: The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has directed the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) to submit a report about the performance of its licensing and registration departments and details about federal drug inspectors.
According to a letter sent by NAB Balochistan (available with Dawn), the bureau is conducting an inquiry into allegations of corruption and corrupt practices.
"In view thereof, it is requested to provide details of Federal Drug Inspectors posted in Balochistan since 2008 along with their appointment orders, charge assumption/relinquish reports, the charter of duties and present posting/contact details," the letter stated.
NAB has also sought relevant rules/laws/ SOPs that regulate the office of the federal drug inspectors.
"Details of cases since 2008 in which drugs were declared spurious/substandard/unregistered but not referred for prosecution permission along with reasons." Moreover, it has asked for details of cases in which prosecution permission was granted but challans not filed in courts along with reasons.
According to the document, details of cases regarding substandard, spurious and unregistered drugs forwarded by the federal drug inspector for the purpose of the prosecution to central licensing and registration board since 2008 are also to be submitted.
An official of Ministry of National Health Services (NHS), requesting not to be quoted, said the letter had been sent after a direction given by the Balochistan High Court to NAB to look into issues of malpractices in the field of pharmaceuticals.
`On Jan 16, 2019, then chief justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar had directed NAB, Federal Investigation Agency and police not to interfere in the affairs of Drap due to which the authority got impunity.
"However, in Nov 2020, the Balochistan High Court directed NAB to look into affairs of the federal drug inspectors and the central licensing and registration board of Drap. As Drap did not file an appeal against the direction in the Supreme Court, NAB has issued the letter and sought details," he said.
The official said the letter has opened a window for FIA and police to look into alleged malpractices in Drap and the office of the federal drug inspector.
-DN Report
Dr Muattar Hanif
The author is Editor at Dental News Pakistan and can be reached at newsdesk@medicalnewsgroup.com.pk
