ISLAMABAD: Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal on Tuesday directed the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (Drap) to make policies conducive to foreign investments.

He also said that the elimination of counterfeit and substandard medicines was essential for a healthier Pakistan and announced that a National Medicine Policy will be formulated in consultation with all stake holders.

During his first visit to the Drap, the minister held a meeting with senior officials including newly appointe d Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr Obaidullah who briefed the minister about institution`s functions, performance and challenges.

`Our decisions directly impact human lives and the outcomes of our decisions and actions should benefit the common man.

The elimination of counterfeit and substandard medicines is imperative, Mustafa Kamal said.

`We must protect human lives from potential threats at all costs. A coordinated strategy will be developed in collaboration with provincial governments to eliminate counterfeit medicines. Pharmaceutical industries and local manufacturing should be facilitated and Drap`s policies should be conducive to investment so that foreign manufacturing companies prioritise investing in Pakistan, he said.

The federal health minister emphasised the need for increasing medicine exports by adopting international standards. He directed that the journey to elevate Drap to WHO Level 4 should be accelerated.