The Federal Government has initiated a major overhaul of Pakistan”s pharmacy sector, with plans to restructure the nearly 60-year-old Pharmacy Act of 1967 and revise the national pharmacy curriculum to align with contemporary international standards.
The move followed a high-level briefing today provided to Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, Syed Mustafa Kamal, by senior officials including the Director General (Health) and Director of Pharmacy Services of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP).
Minister Kamal has directed the immediate formation of a high-level technical committee. This body will be tasked with conducting a thorough review of the existing legal framework and proposing necessary amendments to the decades-old legislation.
The minister articulated that the goal of these reforms is to ensure pharmacy graduates are proficiently trained to meet both domestic and global healthcare requirements, which is essential for guaranteeing the quality of medicines, enhancing patient safety, and elevating professional competence.
In a parallel directive aimed at boosting operational effectiveness, the minister instructed the President of the Pharmacy Council (DG Health) to fully digitalise all functions of the Pharmacy Council of Pakistan. This measure is intended to improve transparency, efficiency, and overall institutional performance.
Reaffirming the administration”s position, the Federal Minister described pharmacists as a “vital component” of the healthcare system and reiterated the Government of Pakistan”s steadfast commitment to strengthening and advancing pharmacy services throughout the country.