ISLAMABAD, Oct 18 (APP):The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has issued a new notification bringing eight categories of commonly used health products under stricter regulatory oversight to improve product quality and protect public health. According to official sources, the items including vitamins, dietary supplements, medicated soaps, shampoos and specialized infant milk. Under the revised regulatory framework, products covered by the notification will be subject to applicable registration, approval and …
DRAP tightens regulation of eight categories of health products
ISLAMABAD, Oct 18 (APP):The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has issued a new notification bringing eight categories of commonly used health products under stricter regulatory oversight to improve product quality and protect public health.
According to official sources, the items including vitamins, dietary supplements, medicated soaps, shampoos and specialized infant milk.
Under the revised regulatory framework, products covered by the notification will be subject to applicable registration, approval and quality-control requirements before they can be manufactured or marketed in Pakistan.
The move is aimed at ensuring that products carrying medicinal or therapeutic claims meet prescribed quality and safety standards, helping consumers avoid substandard, counterfeit or potentially harmful items.
Health professionals say the measure is particularly significant for specialized infant milk products, vitamins and dietary supplements, which are widely available in supermarkets, pharmacies and other retail outlets.
They have highlighted concerns that consumers may find it difficult to distinguish between properly regulated products and those whose quality, ingredients or manufacturing standards have not been adequately verified.
Stronger regulatory oversight is expected to improve scrutiny of manufacturing processes, product composition, labelling and quality standards in accordance with applicable DRAP regulations.
The initiative may also help curb the marketing of counterfeit or substandard products sold under medicinal or antiseptic claims, while encouraging manufacturers and importers to comply with regulatory requirements.
Pharmacists and healthcare professionals have emphasized that consumers should purchase health-related products from reliable sources and seek professional advice when selecting supplements, medicated products or specialized infant nutrition.
The regulatory development reflects broader efforts to strengthen pharmaceutical oversight, improve market surveillance and ensure that health products available to the public meet established safety and quality requirements.
Pharmacists and healthcare professionals have appreciated the DRAP for issuing a notification recognizing specified health and over-the-counter (OTC) products as therapeutic goods, describing it as an important step towards strengthening regulatory oversight and protecting public health.
They commended DRAP for issuing Notification No. S.R.O. 1688(I)/2026 on October 6, 2026, saying the initiative would contribute to improved product quality, safety and compliance with applicable regulatory requirements.
They said the recognition of specified health products as therapeutic goods would help strengthen regulatory mechanisms and promote greater accountability in the healthcare sector.
They noted that effective regulation of health products was essential to safeguard consumers, ensure quality standards and support the availability of safe products in the market.
They also highlighted the importance of coordinated efforts among regulatory authorities to improve healthcare standards and strengthen public confidence in health-related products.
They described the notification as a commendable initiative towards safer healthcare and better public health, expressing appreciation for DRAP’s efforts to improve the regulatory framework governing therapeutic goods
