E-DRUG: WHO PQ now charging application fees (4)
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[While there is perhaps some misunderstanding of the intentions of the WHO PQ program, Balkrishna raises some valid concerns about what an enlarged PQ program might mean for countries that the emphasis should be more on strengthening existing regulatory authorities so as to obviate the need for prequalification. While that is a situation we would all like to see, the reality is not there yet and, contrary to Balkrishna's argument, perhaps this will act as an incentive to NRAs to become SRAs so that there is no need of PQ of medicines originating from their countries? Any thoughts from colleagues on either side of the debate?
Note: some editing of the submitted message to improve readability. DB]
Dear All
WHO prequalification of GFATM medicines and manufacturers followed on from
the UN prequalification (PQ) of vaccines / manufacturers. The idea was acceptable because it was intended for UN procurement and for similar organizations like GFATM. The scope was limited. But what is being raised now is something different.
WHO on one hand collaborates with member countries to enable them to
have effective regulatory capability and on the other is taking over part of regulator's scope. This represents duplication of effort as well as underestimation of regulators.
The PQ program as it is appears to be a vertical program of the essential medicine department in WHO HQ. While it invites [NRA] regulatory inspectors to join their inspection it is unlikely to have desired impact at organisational level of the NRA. The situation - NRAs are either not capable or creditable and the PQ program seems to re-enforce this message by entering into the NRA regular activities.
If the PQ program assumes the PQ activities at a global level as is being talked about the PQ team will need to be present in countries with a pharmaceutical manufacturing base just like one of the SRA (stringent regulatory authority), USFDA inspection team and USP does in India.
What if the WHO PQ team fails to handle every individual manufacturers request?
What if the country NRAs become less strict considering the takeover of inspection by WHO PQ team.
After all whatever manufacturers spend will be passed on to consumers. If PQ products are purchased by consumers on an out-of pocket basis, is it not going to mean expensive commodities particularly in low-income countries
like Nepal? What if the market has PQ and non-PQ products to offer to
consumers? What if the NRA does a similar PQ job at a lower cost? Is there
any limitation in the scope of PQ program? So there are many concerns.
I would appreciate if these concerns are clarified!
Balkrishna Khakurel
Senior Drug Administrator
Department of Plant Resurces
MoFSC/ GoN,
Kathmandu, Nepal.
bkhakurel@yahoo.com