Young pharmacists association exposes DRAP’s alleged corruption in medicine price decontrol

Health Reporter
ISLAMABAD: In a scathing indictment of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), the Young Pharmacists Association (YPA) has levied serious allegations of corruption and malpractice against its top officials, accusing them of orchestrating the illegal removal of mandatory price controls on essential medicines.
According to the association’s statement addressed to the Prime Minister, Mr. Asim Rauf, CEO of DRAP, along with Mr. Amanullah, Director Pricing, and several other officials, allegedly spearheaded the decontrol of medicine prices on February 6, 2024. The timing of this move, amidst the distractions of general elections, has raised suspicions of deliberate concealment from the public eye.
The association contends that the decision to decontrol medicine prices runs contrary to the interests of the 250 million Pakistani citizens, as it threatens to exacerbate the already dire healthcare situation in the country. Furthermore, the association asserts that market forces cannot adequately determine medicine prices, given the complex dynamics involved in medical procurement, which includes doctors, patients, and pharmaceutical companies.
The statement highlights the pervasive influence of pharmaceutical companies on medical prescriptions, alleging that bribery and kickbacks from these companies heavily influence doctors’ prescribing practices. This unethical behavior, the association argues, not only compromises patient care but also perpetuates a cycle of profit-driven healthcare.
Moreover, the association accuses DRAP officials of engaging in corrupt practices to advance the interests of pharmaceutical companies. Allegations include the registration of banned medicines, such as Panadol Extend 665mg, and the approval of their advertisement, as well as the enlistment of medicines without fixing prices, leading to exploitation of poor patients.
The association also raises concerns about the legality of Mr. Asim Rauf’s tenure as CEO of DRAP, citing violations of the DRAP Act 2012, Drugs Act 1976, and the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. In light of these grave allegations, the Young Pharmacists Association urgently calls for yhe declaration of the notification removing control on medicine prices as illegal and null and void.
The appointment of honest officials in DRAP to prioritize the welfare of poor patients and ensure access to affordable, quality medicines.
The association’s statement serves as a damning indictment of the alleged corruption within DRAP, signaling a pressing need for transparency, accountability, and reform within the regulatory body.