PM Shehbaz launches digital system for licensing & registering medical devices

Islamabad (Web Desk): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, on Monday, inaugurated a newly developed digital system designed for the licensing and registration of medical devices, marking a significant advancement in Pakistan’s healthcare infrastructure.

Addressing the launch event, the prime minister acknowledged the complexity of reforming the health sector but affirmed that with collective commitment and determination, substantial change is within reach.

He voiced confidence that Pakistan is on the path to becoming a respected and self-reliant nation on the global stage.

During his speech, PM Shehbaz commended the Ministry of Health for its efforts in digitizing crucial regulatory processes.

He extended his appreciation to the Federal Health Minister, the Health Secretary, the CEO of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), and their entire team for implementing the new digital platform.

He noted that this initiative began during the tenure of the previous PDM-led administration and that DRAP’s current leadership was chosen strictly on the basis of merit and professional competence.

The prime minister specifically lauded the commitment of the Federal Health Minister, drawing parallels to his previous tenure as Mayor of Karachi.

He highlighted the revival of long-idle healthcare facilities, including a hospital and a burn unit donated by a friendly nation, which had remained non-operational for years. After his intervention, the Health Minister took prompt action to ensure that these facilities would finally begin serving the public.

He went on to explain that under the new digital system, medical devices can now be registered within 20 days—a stark contrast to the previous system where approvals could take years due to bureaucratic delays and corruption.

The premier expressed hope that the leadership at DRAP, along with the Health Ministry, would continue to uphold merit and efficiency in their decision-making, setting a new benchmark for public service.

Reflecting on past achievements, PM Shehbaz recalled the establishment of the Rawalpindi Institute of Cardiology, where he appointed General Azhar Kiani to lead. Under Kiani’s leadership, the facility quickly earned a reputation as one of Pakistan’s premier cardiac hospitals.

He emphasized that similar models of efficient leadership and integrated planning between federal and provincial governments are essential to replicate success across the country.

The prime minister also revisited a healthcare initiative from 2015–16 that aimed to provide free medicines to those in need. At that time, laboratory tests revealed that 60% of medicines in circulation were substandard. Reforms were introduced to ensure that high-quality medications were available in public hospitals, regardless of a patient’s financial situation, reflecting a broader commitment to equity in healthcare.

He reiterated that meaningful progress requires resilience, unity, and integrity. He stressed that genuine change is only possible through hard work and divine guidance.

Expressing strong faith in the nation's future, PM Shehbaz declared that a day will soon come when Pakistan stands with dignity among the world’s leading nations.