The chief executive officer of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) met with the chairman of the Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA) to strengthen regulatory cooperation between the two agencies. The discussion emphasized closer coordination, regulatory reliance, joint initiatives and capacity-building efforts designed to create more resilient and efficient regulatory systems for medicines and vaccines.
During the meeting officials outlined areas for enhanced mutual coordination, including information sharing, joint reviews and alignment of regulatory approaches to reduce duplication and accelerate access to medical products. Both sides expressed interest in pursuing regulatory reliance arrangements that would allow each agency to leverage the other’s assessments and inspections where appropriate.
Participants also agreed to develop joint regulatory initiatives and structured capacity-building programs aimed at improving competencies across inspection, quality assurance and review processes. These programs are intended to support the development of robust regulatory infrastructures and to facilitate quicker, science-based decision making for therapeutic goods.
DRAP’s chief executive, Dr. Obaidullah, congratulated the EDA on attaining World Health Organization Global Benchmarking Tool Level 3 maturity for medicines and vaccines, calling the achievement a significant benchmark for regulatory capability in the EMRO region. The recognition reflects strengthened capacities in areas such as product evaluation, market surveillance and quality control.
The engagement reflects DRAP’s commitment to international collaboration and regulatory excellence. Strengthened ties with the EDA are expected to contribute to timely access to safe, effective and quality therapeutic products for populations in Pakistan and beyond.
