Second-hand medical equipment importers urge DRAP to review new import policy

LAHORE, Jul 24 (APP):Pakistan Second-Hand Medical Equipment Importers Association has expressed reservations over the recent notification No. 1-1/2026/DD-MDMC issued by the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), urging the regulatory body to review the policy after meaningful consultation with industry stakeholders.

According to the Association here Friday, the notification provides for the import of refurbished medical devices but yet to address the import of used (second-hand) medical equipment, which currently meets the operational requirements of nearly 90 percent of Pakistan’s private healthcare sector, including hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic centres.

Representatives of the Association  Representatives

The Association representatives- Khalid Rafiq Chaudhry, Masroor Ahmed Khan, Abdul Wahab Rafique, Naveed Ahmad and Mian Miraj said in a joint media statement that quality second-hand medical equipment plays a vital role in strengthening Pakistan’s healthcare delivery system by providing affordable access to modern medical technology. Since such equipment is significantly less expensive than new devices, it enables private healthcare institutions to establish and upgrade diagnostic and treatment facilities at a lower cost, ultimately reducing the financial burden on patients.

The Association feared that any restrictions or uncertainty regarding the import of second-hand medical equipment could have far-reaching economic and social consequences. Hundreds of import businesses and allied enterprises may face severe operational challenges, while thousands of skilled and semi-skilled workers employed in the sector could lose their livelihoods. They further noted that reduced availability of affordable medical equipment could affect the expansion and modernization of healthcare facilities, particularly small and medium-sized private hospitals serving communities across the country.

They said that the representative body of second-hand medical equipment importers and other key stakeholders should be consulted before the issuance of the notification. They emphasized that effective regulatory reforms require transparent stakeholder engagement to ensure that policies are practical, balanced, and aligned with the realities of the healthcare and medical equipment sectors.

The Association has called upon federal government and the DRAP to revisit the notification and develop a comprehensive regulatory framework that clearly defines the status and import mechanism for second-hand medical equipment alongside refurbished devices. Such a framework should safeguard patient safety while ensuring uninterrupted access to affordable, quality medical equipment for healthcare providers throughout the country.

The Association also urged the government to institutionalize a consultative process for all future legislation, regulations, and policy decisions affecting the medical equipment sector so that the views of industry stakeholders are adequately reflected before implementation. They were confident that constructive dialogue between regulators and stakeholders would help formulate policies which protect public health, support economic activity, preserve employment, and strengthen Pakistan’s healthcare infrastructure.