New drug pricing authority to replace DRAP in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: In a significant policy shift, Pakistan has decided to withdraw the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan’s (DRAP) authority to set drug prices.

The Ministry of Health has announced the establishment of a new body dedicated to determining the cost of medications, with a special focus on lifesaving drugs.

According to health officials, the decision to transfer pricing powers from DRAP comes at the behest of the Prime Minister.

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A proposal is currently being drafted by a committee led by the Minister of Law. At present, DRAP is responsible for pricing only lifesaving medications, with the new board set to expand this role.