ISLAMABAD: While expressing displeasure over what he called the `pathetic` performance of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (Drap), Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday launched the Digital System for Licensing and Registration of Medical Devices, aimed at accelerating the registration process.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, the prime minister noted that the registration of life-saving medical devices and diagnostic products in Pakistan had become a criticalissue earlier this year.

Drap came under scrutiny for what the premier described as `sluggish` and `highly inefficient` operations related to the approval and registration of medical devices.

According to the chairman of theHealthcare Devices Association of Pakistan, the delays were causing significant financial losses to importers and disrupting patient care in hospitals.He expressed hope that the process would now be completed in the shortest possible time, stating: `Now, decisions will be made swiftly and transparently.Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed confidence that applications for the registration of medical devices and equipment would now be processed within 20 days through a transparent and merit-based system.

`Not Drap, but Drag` He criticised Drap for inordinate delays, saying, `It`s not Drap but `Drag`-as it was dragging the process not for months but for years.

The reasons are known to all.

Recalling issues in the health sector, he cited an incident during his tenure as Punjab chief minister when Drap failed to properly handle certain anti-malarial drugs that were mistakenly administered to heart patients, resulting in several deaths at the Punjab Institute of Cardiology.

He also referred to the 2014-15 government initiative to provide free medicines at public hospitals.

He said 60pc of the drug samples at the time were found to be substandard. He added that he had ensuredthe provision of quality medicines free of cost and established laboratories across the province to serve underprivileged communities.

The PM stressed that bringing about a revolution in the health sector might be a difficult task but not an impossible one.

`There may be mountain-like hurdles, but if we decide with determination to overcome them, nothing can stand in the way of progress and prosperity. Hard work never goes in vain,` he remarked.

Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal also addressed the ceremony.

He said the new online digitisation system had reduced the registration time to 20 days, compared to the previous lengthy procedures.

He stated, `The system will be free from human interference, with certificates issued online without requiring visits to Drap offices.

Mr Kamal added that the government was utilising available resources to tackle challenges in the health sector, such as populationgrowth and waterborne diseases.

`We are improving the healthcare system through public-private partnerships,` he said, noting that strengthening primary healthcare would reduce pressure on major hospitals.

He further stated, `Everything from wheelchairs to MRI machines will now be registered and licensed online. Citizens will be able to submit applications from their homes.

Senate seat election Later, the prime minister congratulated PML-N candidate, Hafiz Abdul Karim, on his election to a Senate seat from the Punjab Assembly.

He expressed confidence that Karim would actively uphold the Constitution and contribute to the country`s progress.

He emphasised that Senate elections were a continuation of the democratic process and highlighted the importance of senators in strengthening federating units and upholding democratic norms.