A severe shortage of basic medical devices, including diagnostic groups, surgical tools, implants and monitoring equipment, began to disrupt health care services throughout Pakistan, as customs authorities continue to ban shipments at entry points due to ending organizational exemptions.
According to a report, the case stems from SRO 224 (1) 2023 on December 31, 2024, which previously allowed the import of unregistered medical devices. With no official extension, customs officials stopped shipments, pending the direction of the DRAP (DRAP).
Pakistan relies heavily on imported medical devices, which are vital for surgeries, diagnoses and emergency treatments. The rules of the medical devices that were presented by DRAP in 2017 included an exemption period under Article 52, which was extended several times to allow the regulator to process records. Despite the repeated court directions, thousands of registration requests are still unlawful, leaving importers and hospitals in a state of uncertainty.
Imports and professionals in the field of health care raised concerns about the late authorities’ response. The Pakistan Health Care Association (HDAP) confirmed that the importers sought to intervene from the Supreme Court of Islamabad (IHC), which was issued on January 30, 2025, an order to survive that prevents forced measures against petitions until suspended registration requests are addressed. However, despite the court ruling, customs officials are still reluctant, which leads to high costs of the task and the exacerbation of deficiency.
According to HDAP, the lack of clear directives from DRAP and the Ministry of National Health Services has exacerbated the crisis. While DRAP recommended extending the exemption and sent its proposal to the Prime Minister’s office, no official notice was issued, leaving the customs authorities unclear on how to follow up.
The situation increases due to DRAP driving instability, which was without permanent CEO since ASIM RAUF retires two weeks ago.
The continuous disorder forced the main hospitals to delay surgeries due to the lack of implants and the necessary equipment. Reports from medical facilities indicate that the lack of diagnostic groups and surgical tools already weakens patient care.
