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Karachi Drug Lab Earns WHO Prequalification, Boosting Pakistan's Pharma Sector
🇵🇰 Pakistan /Health & Science

Karachi Drug Lab Earns WHO Prequalification, Boosting Pakistan's Pharma Sector

From Dawn · (10m ago) English Positive tone

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Pakistan's Central Drugs Laboratory (CDL) in Karachi has achieved WHO prequalification, enhancing the nation's pharmaceutical testing capabilities.
  • This international validation signifies that Drap's testing services meet rigorous global safety and quality benchmarks set by the WHO.
  • The achievement is considered a historic milestone for Pakistan, boosting public health safeguards and the global competitiveness of its pharmaceutical industry.

Dawn proudly reports on a landmark achievement for Pakistan: the Central Drugs Laboratory (CDL) in Karachi has secured World Health Organization (WHO) prequalification. This is not merely a technical certification; it is a powerful testament to Pakistan's commitment to upholding international standards in pharmaceutical testing and quality control.

It shows that Pakistan has fixed all the loopholes and our tests will be accepted across the world.

— Dr Obaidullah MalikCEO of Drap, highlighting the global acceptance of Pakistan's testing standards following WHO prequalification.

The significance of this WHO prequalification cannot be overstated. It means that Drap's testing services are now recognized globally, assuring that medicines tested within Pakistan meet the highest benchmarks for safety, efficacy, and quality. As Dr. Obaidullah Malik, CEO of Drap, stated, this signifies that "Pakistan has fixed all the loopholes and our tests will be accepted across the world." This opens doors for Pakistan to become a key testing hub, potentially testing medicines for global distribution, a role previously outsourced.

Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal rightly hailed this as a "historic moment for the people of Pakistan." This achievement is a cornerstone of the government's health reforms and a significant boost to the national economy. By meeting these stringent international validation requirements, Pakistan not only safeguards public health but also strengthens the 'Made in Pakistan' brand, empowering its pharmaceutical industry to compete on the global stage.

The WHO prequalification of CDL Karachi is a historic moment for the people of Pakistan.

— Mustafa KamalFederal Health Minister, emphasizing the significance of the achievement for the nation.

Furthermore, this news coincides with the approval of Pakistan's first National Vaccine Policy. This comprehensive policy, developed through extensive stakeholder consultation, establishes a national framework for vaccine development and distribution, including local production. The combination of WHO prequalification for CDL and a robust National Vaccine Policy marks a pivotal advancement in Pakistan's public health landscape, demonstrating a proactive and strategic approach to health security and industrial growth.

By achieving this international validation, we are not only safeguarding public health but also empowering our pharmaceutical industry to compete globally.

— Mustafa KamalFederal Health Minister, explaining the dual benefits of the WHO prequalification for public health and the economy.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Dawn in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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