Pakistani company receives WHO recognition

ISLAMABAD: 

A Pakistani pharmaceutical company, Getz Pharma, has received recognition by the World Health Organization (WHO) for its Quality Control Laboratory, becoming one in 33 countries worldwide and the first in Pakistan to have received the `WHO Pre-Qualification’.

The WHO Qualification is a three-year process beginning with a series of reviews and audit by their inspectors; after which the lab receives a Pre-Qualification if it complies with WHO Standards.

These standards and practices have to be maintained for three years after which the laboratory can receive a qualification, said a statement on Thursday. A WHO Pre-Qualified Laboratory holds the authority to test and verify the quality of any drug, medication or formulation.

Such a lab’s verdict is recognised worldwide by all related international agencies and organisations. Speaking at the ceremony held to celebrate the event, Getz Pharma Director Quality Management and Regulatory Affairs Syed Sultan Ghani said, “The recognition is a testament to the strict quality standards maintained by us in the laboratory as well as in other functions.”

Getz Pharma has also received the Export Award for eight consecutive years, ranking first among all pharmaceutical exporters and contributing approximately 40% towards total pharmaceutical exports. Its anti-ulcerant has secured second position among all pharma brands in the country.

Being the third largest tax-payer, the company has reached third position amongst national and multinational companies by investing and reinvesting in technology, systems and facilities.

“The company has put the country on the world map and other pharma companies should also strive for this success,” said Dr Murtaza Mughal, president of the Pakistan Economy Watch