ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s healthcare sector is facing a severe crisis as life-saving medical devices, including diagnostic kits, surgical tools, implants, and monitoring equipment, remain stranded at airports and ports due to regulatory deadlock.
The shipments have been blocked by customs authorities after the exemption period for their registration expired on December 31, 2024, under SRO 224(1) 2023. With no clear directives issued for an extension, importers and hospitals are unable to access critical medical supplies, putting patient care at risk.
Regulatory Bottleneck Worsens Crisis
- Customs officials have sought guidance from the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (Drap) on whether to release the halted shipments. However, Drap has yet to issue a clear directive.
- The Islamabad High Court (IHC) granted a stay order on January 30, 2025, barring coercive action against importers until their pending registration applications are resolved.
- Despite the court order, customs authorities remain hesitant, leading to mounting demurrage charges and worsening shortages.
- Drap had recommended an extension and forwarded the request to the Prime Minister’s Office, but no formal notification has been issued.
Hospitals Face Equipment Shortages
- Major healthcare facilities report that critical medical procedures are being delayed due to shortages of essential equipment.
- Without urgent intervention, hospitals may be forced to cancel life-saving surgeries and diagnostic tests.
- Imported medical devices are deteriorating at entry points, risking financial losses for importers and a public health emergency.
Calls for Immediate Action
Syed Omer Ahmed, Chairman of the Healthcare Devices Association of Pakistan (HDAP), warned that continued bureaucratic delays are worsening the situation.
“The inaction of Drap and Member Customs (Operations) despite the IHC’s stay order is devastating the healthcare industry,” he said.
A Drap insider, speaking anonymously, admitted that the regulatory body lacks human resources to process thousands of pending applications, further delaying the resolution.
Hospitals, importers, and industry experts are urging the government to issue immediate directives to resolve the crisis and prevent further damage to Pakistan’s already strained healthcare system.
