The Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (NHSR&C) has announced a significant development in Pakistan’s healthcare and regulatory framework, as the Central Drugs Laboratory (CDL), Karachi, a statutory laboratory of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), has successfully secured World Health Organization (WHO) prequalification. The recognition places Pakistan’s pharmaceutical testing system in line with internationally accepted standards.
This certification signifies that DRAP’s testing services meet the rigorous global benchmarks established by the WHO, ensuring that therapeutic goods tested at the facility are safe, effective, and of high quality. The development is being viewed as a major step toward strengthening national drug regulation and improving public health safeguards.
Federal Minister for National Health Services, Syed Mustafa Kamal, congratulated the leadership of DRAP and the technical team at CDL, Karachi, for what he described as their commitment to regulatory excellence. He termed the achievement a key milestone in the government’s broader health sector reforms.
“The WHO Prequalification of CDL Karachi is a historic moment for the people of Pakistan,” stated Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal. “Our government is committed to a fundamental shift from a ‘sick-care’ system to a true ‘health-care’ system that prioritizes prevention and quality. Ensuring that every medicine tested in our national labs meets global standards is the first line of defense in protecting the lives of our citizens.”
He further stressed the economic and industrial significance of the development, particularly for Pakistan’s pharmaceutical sector and its international credibility.
“By achieving this international validation, we are not only safeguarding public health but also empowering our pharmaceutical industry to compete globally. This will foster immense trust among healthcare providers and patients alike, ensuring that no matter where you are in Pakistan, the medicine you receive is a product of world-class integrity,” the minister added.
The Ministry of NHSR&C reiterated its commitment to modernising the national regulatory system to protect citizens from substandard and falsified medicines. Officials noted that efforts are also underway to align DRAP with WHO’s global benchmarking standards for national regulatory systems.
The Secretary of Health said the government would continue to support DRAP in its reform agenda, aiming to position Pakistan as a regional leader in pharmaceutical regulation and public health safety.
This achievement marks a notable advancement in the government’s ongoing efforts to ensure equitable access to safe, effective, and high-quality healthcare services for all citizens across the country.