PM Launches Digital Licensing System for Medical Devices
The government of Pakistan has taken a big step to improve the health system. PM Shehbaz Sharif has launched a digital licensing system for medical devices to make things faster, safer, and better. This system will help doctors, hospitals, and companies get their medical machines registered online in just 20 days. Before this, the process used to take months or even years, which caused many problems.
Now, with this new system, everything from MRI machines to wheelchairs will be registered online without going to any office. This change is not only good for hospitals but also for patients who need quality treatment. The medical sector also gets affected when systems are slow and unfair. But now, this digital system will bring fairness and speed.
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What Is the Digital Licensing System for Medical Devices?
This digital licensing system is a new online method started by the government to register and approve medical devices in Pakistan. Earlier, if someone wanted to register medical equipment like an X-ray machine or a blood pressure monitor, they had to go through long, slow, and sometimes corrupt processes. But now, everything is done online—no bribes, no waiting for years.
According to the new plan, the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) will now accept applications through an online portal. All certificates will be sent digitally. This means that doctors, hospitals, and companies can sit at home and get their equipment approved without visiting any office.
The system is designed to finish all approvals in just 20 days, which used to take many months or even years before. It works with a merit-based and transparent process, so no one can delay or reject applications without reason.
Here’s a simple list of what this system does:
- Makes registration 100% online
- Removes human interference and bribery
- Cuts down time from years to 20 days
- Covers all medical devices (small to large)
- Sends certificates online
- Saves money and time for hospitals and importers
Also Read: CM Punjab Complaint Cell WhatsApp Number & Helpline Guide
Why Was This System Needed? (Problems with the Old System)
Before this digital system, getting a medical device approved in Pakistan was very slow and unfair. The old method had so many problems that it became a big issue for doctors, patients, and importers. The department responsible for approvals, DRAP (Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan), was often called “DRAG” because it used to drag applications for years.
Hospitals could not get important machines on time, and patients had to suffer. In one very sad case, malaria medicines were wrongly given to heart patients at a hospital in Punjab, and many people lost their lives. This happened because DRAP failed to check the medicines properly.
Also, in 2014–15, when Shehbaz Sharif was Chief Minister of Punjab, he found that 60% of the free medicines given in hospitals were of bad quality. This showed how weak the system was.
Major Problems in the Old System:
Issue | Impact |
---|---|
Long delays (years for approvals) | Patients didn’t get the right treatment on time |
Corruption and bribery | Only people with “source” got approvals |
Substandard and unsafe devices | Patients’ health was at risk |
No proper quality checks | Dangerous medicines were allowed |
Manual paperwork and office visits | Waste of time, money, and energy |
That’s why this new digital licensing system was badly needed — to save lives, improve hospitals, and make sure only safe, tested, and approved devices reach the people.
How the New System Works (Step-by-Step Explanation)
The new digital licensing system for medical devices is made to be simple, fast, and fair. Now, everything can be done online—no need to go to any office or meet anyone in person. The whole process is paperless, and certificates will be sent straight to your email.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to how this system works:
Step-by-Step Process:
Step | What Happens |
---|---|
1 | Applicant visits the DRAP online portal |
2 | Fills out the registration form for their medical device |
3 | Uploads all required documents (device info, testing reports, etc.) |
4 | System automatically sends data to the concerned department |
5 | Application is reviewed within 20 working days |
6 | If approved, the license is sent via email – no need to visit any office |
7 | Applicant can then legally sell or use the medical device in Pakistan |
This process applies to all kinds of devices — from simple tools like thermometers to advanced machines like MRI scanners. It even covers wheelchairs, surgical items, and test kits.
Also, the system will include QR codes and barcodes on registered products, so anyone can scan and check if the device is real and approved.

What Will Improve With This New System (Benefits for People & Industry)
The launch of this digital licensing system for medical devices is going to change the healthcare system in Pakistan in a big way. This system will not only help hospitals and clinics but also patients, importers, and even small medical shops.
Before this, many people had to wait for months or years just to get approval for machines that are used to save lives. Now, with this fast and online system, many problems will be solved.
Benefits for Everyone
Who Benefits | How It Helps |
---|---|
Patients | Get quick access to safe, quality-tested devices for better treatment |
Hospitals & Clinics | No delays in getting machines; saves money and time |
Medical Importers | Can bring devices into Pakistan faster with less paperwork |
Government | Improves trust in public hospitals and DRAP |
General Public | Can scan QR/barcodes to check if the medical device is real and approved |
Other Improvements:
- No more middlemen or bribes needed
- Whole process is online and transparent
- Makes DRAP accountable and efficient
- Encourages use of modern medical equipment in all areas
- Helps bring Pakistan’s health system closer to international standards
This is a big move toward modern healthcare, the goal here is also improvement, but in a way that actually helps everyone, especially the poor and sick.
Also Read: Punjab University Increases Fees by 59% | Full Breakdown 2025
Government’s Vision and Statements (What PM and Health Minister Said)
At the launch ceremony held in Islamabad, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke openly about how badly the medical device system needed change. He said that DRAP was acting like “DRAG” because it was dragging approvals for years. This delay was not only slowing down hospitals but also risking people’s lives.
PM Shehbaz said this new system will bring speed, transparency, and trust. He promised that now, all applications will be decided within 20 days, and there will be no favoritism or corruption. He gave an example from the past where malaria drugs were wrongly given to heart patients at Punjab Institute of Cardiology, and many people lost their lives. He said such tragedies must never happen again.
The Health Minister, Mustafa Kamal, also gave a strong message. He said that now no one will need a recommendation or bribe to get a license. The system is fully online and free from human contact, which means it’s fair for everyone.
Key Quotes from the Ceremony:
- PM Shehbaz Sharif:
“Now, decisions will be made swiftly and transparently. The days of delays and corruption are over.” - Health Minister Mustafa Kamal:
“Everything from wheelchairs to MRI machines will now be registered online. No more waiting or bribery.” - PM Shehbaz (on the past):
“60% of medicines in public hospitals were substandard during 2014–15. We have changed that.”
This system shows that the government wants real change, not just promises. It’s part of a bigger plan to improve healthcare, make systems digital, and reduce the suffering of common people.
Impact on Hospitals, Importers & Patients (Real-Life Use Cases & Scenarios)
This new digital licensing system for medical devices will make a real difference in the lives of people and healthcare workers. From big hospitals in cities to small clinics in villages, everyone will feel the benefit of this modern system.
Hospitals and Clinics
Before:
Hospitals had to wait for months or even years to get medical machines approved. In emergencies, they didn’t have enough equipment.
Now:
Hospitals can apply online and get devices like ventilators, MRI machines, or surgical tools licensed in just 20 days. This helps save lives and ensures smooth treatment.
Medical Importers
Before:
Importers lost millions due to delays and red tape. Many left the business because of corrupt officials and slow approvals.
Now:
Importers can easily upload documents online and get a quick response. This boosts business, reduces losses, and encourages more companies to bring advanced medical tech to Pakistan.
Patients
Before:
Patients had to wait or travel far to find working machines or good-quality medical devices. Some even lost their lives because hospitals didn’t have approved tools.
Now:
With faster licensing, patients get quicker access to treatment. Also, QR codes will help them check if a machine or tool is real and government-approved.
Example Scenario:
A small clinic in Multan needs a new ultrasound machine. Earlier, they waited 8 months for approval. Now, they submit the application online and receive the license in 20 days. The machine arrives, patients are treated sooner, and the clinic grows.
Challenges Ahead & What Still Needs Improvement
Even though the digital licensing system for medical devices is a big step forward, it’s not the final solution. The system is new, and like any new thing, it will face some challenges in the beginning. The government has made a good move, but now it must make sure the system works properly for everyone.
Main Challenges Still Remaining:
Challenge | Why It Matters |
---|---|
Internet and IT Access in Rural Areas | Small clinics in villages may not have fast internet or trained staff |
Training for DRAP Staff | Old staff may not know how to use the digital system properly |
Cybersecurity Risks | Online systems can be hacked if not protected well |
System Bugs or Delays | If the portal crashes or gets overloaded, it can delay the process |
Monitoring After Approval | There must be regular checks even after a license is issued |
The government needs to:
- Train medical staff and importers on how to use the portal
- Ensure the website is secure and user-friendly
- Keep improving the system based on user feedback
- Make sure poor and rural areas are not left behind
The government must also invest more in improving this healthcare system so it works for everyone — not just big cities.
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FAQs – Common Questions About the Digital Licensing System
Here are some simple and useful answers to common questions people may have about the new digital licensing system for medical devices.
1. What is the digital licensing system?
It’s an online portal started by the government and DRAP where you can register and get licenses for medical devices without going to any office.
2. How long will it take to get a license now?
The new system promises that licenses will be issued within 20 days, instead of months or years like before.
3. Who can apply on this system?
Any hospital, clinic, importer, or supplier of medical devices in Pakistan can apply for registration through the DRAP online system.
4. What types of medical devices can be registered?
Everything from wheelchairs and thermometers to MRI machines and test kits can be registered.
5. Do I still need to visit DRAP offices?
No. The whole process is online. You can apply and receive your license at home.
6. How do I know if a medical device is real or fake?
All approved devices will come with QR codes or barcodes, which you can scan to verify their authenticity.
7. Is there any human interference in the new system?
No. The system is fully digital, which means no bribery, favoritism, or personal contacts are needed.
8. What if I live in a village or remote area?
The government is working on making the system easy for everyone, but people in rural areas may still need help due to slow internet or lack of training.
9. Is this system safe from hackers?
The government says it is using secure servers, but cybersecurity must be improved regularly to keep all data safe.
10. Why is this change important for patients?
It helps patients get access to safe, government-approved medical tools faster, which can save lives and improve healthcare across Pakistan.
Conclusion – A New Era of Health Reforms in Pakistan
The launch of the digital licensing system for medical devices is a major breakthrough in Pakistan’s healthcare journey. For years, slow approvals, corruption, and weak systems made it hard for hospitals and patients to access quality medical equipment. But now, things are changing — and changing fast. With this new system, the government has made licensing easier, quicker, and fairer for everyone. Hospitals can get machines approved in just 20 days, importers can grow their business, and most importantly, patients can receive better care without delays.
Yes, there are still some challenges to fix — like helping people in rural areas and keeping the system secure — but the foundation has been laid. This is more than just an online portal; it’s a step toward digital Pakistan and a sign that the government is serious about health reforms. This healthcare change is also about upgrading the system — but in a way that actually helps people, not burdens them.
If this momentum continues, Pakistan’s healthcare system can finally become faster, safer, and smarter — and this digital licensing system is the first strong brick in that future.