Latest news with #PCDA
Business Recorder
24-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Pharma bodies decry being ignored by SCQB
KARACHI: In violation of the Sindh Drug Rules, pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors have expressed dismay over not being invited to an upcoming scheduled meeting of the Sindh Quality Control Board (SCQB), prompting concerns over transparency and regulatory fairness, Business Recorder has learnt. In a formal letter to the Sindh Health Department, PCDA Secretary General M Asim Jamil expressed disappointment that the association, despite being the only registered trade body representing chemists, druggists, importers, and distributors, was not invited to participate in the Board's scheduled meeting. He emphasised that under the Sindh Drug Rules (Amended) 2010, relevant trade bodies must be consulted on matters related to pharmaceutical regulation. 'It has come to our attention that meetings of the SCQB are being scheduled, but PCDA has not been invited despite being a key stakeholder,' the letter read. 'This raises concerns regarding transparency and fairness in the Board's decision-making.' PCDA also noted that the PPMA, which represents local drug manufacturers, had similarly been excluded from attending as an observer, further intensifying industry apprehensions about the lack of representation in regulatory proceedings that directly impact their operations. Calling for immediate rectification, PCDA urged the Health Secretary to ensure the inclusion of both associations in future SCQB meetings to uphold fair practices and regulatory clarity. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
OPINION - Suffolk remains one of the safest places to live
I am delighted to announce the appointment of my deputy chief constable, Eamonn Bridger, who will be taking over this role when Rob Jones retires in September. This followed a rigorous application process. Eamonn is currently the assistant chief constable and has been in this post for four years. I look forward to continuing to work with Eamonn over the coming months. The constabulary is inviting applications all year round for its police constable programmes, with regular cohort intakes. Aspiring officers have two pathways to choose from. The Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) is for those seeking a Level 6 qualification and culminating in a BSc (Hons) in Professional Policing Practice. Alternatively, the Police Constable Entry Programme (PCEP) provides a non-degree route, focusing on developing essential policing skills through a blend of classroom-based and hands-on learning over two years. Committed to fostering a diverse workforce, Suffolk Constabulary welcomes applicants with varied skills and experiences. For more information on these pathways, please visit It was lovely to meet with Suffolk's new High Sheriff Gulshan Kayembe last month. My colleague Eamonn attended the initial swearing-in ceremony at Ipswich Crown Court. This historic role has a very modern purpose in recognising, supporting and encouraging all those who work in the legal system and emergency services, and I look forward to working closely with Gulshan, who will be visiting various departments within the Constabulary throughout the next year. Last month, I made mention of the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, where the government has confirmed the additional 13,000 police officers and police community support officers coming into UK police forces within the next 12 months. The Home Office are investing additional spending in each force, and we are working in partnership with the Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner to develop a delivery plan which will support all of the pillars which make up the Guarantee. Suffolk's community policing structure is already aligned well with the underpinning concepts of the neighbourhood guarantee, and we will continue to ensure this area of policing remains a high priority across the county. The Crime and Policing Bill is currently at committee stage within the Commons and, if passed, contains legislation and powers surrounding ASB, retail crime and public order which will support the implementation of the guarantee. Now some more great news – Suffolk remains one of the safest places to live, according to figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) recently. The total recorded crime covering the 12 months to the end of December 2024 show that there were 58.1 crimes per 1,000 people, a decrease of 3.8% compared to the previous 12 months. Knife crime saw a drop of over 20%, while public order, stalking and harassment, robbery, drug offences, violence against the person, criminal damage, and possession of weapons also saw drops in recorded crime, compared to the previous 12-month period. It means Suffolk remains ranked third for the lowest levels of recorded crime in England and Wales. Five years ago, Suffolk was in 13th position in terms of its crime levels. To see us rated third once again for a third consecutive period shows a strong sense of stability and very productive and successful working. We have always been proud of having strong community links with our public in Suffolk, and the introduction of our new policing model in December 2023 has strengthened this relationship. Over the past year, the response from community leaders and residents has, on the whole, been very supportive, well-received and positive, which is really encouraging to hear, and I thank you all for your support. I would also like to thank my officers, staff and volunteers for their continuing hard work and commitment. Finally, I am looking forward to coming to the Suffolk Show at the end of this month – it is always such a lovely occasion, bringing together the public of Suffolk. There will be an opportunity for you to meet with myself and the Police and Crime Commissioner between 10.30am and 11.30am on the Wednesday, and the deputy chief constable Rob Jones and the Police and Crime Commissioner on the Thursday. Please do come and say hello, and let's keep everything crossed for some good weather.
Business Recorder
30-04-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Non-corporate distributors: PCDA urges FBR to reconsider real-time invoicing mandate
KARACHI: The Pakistan Chemists & Druggists Association (PCDA) has appealed to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to grant an exemption and adopt a phased implementation approach for SRO 709(I)/2025, which mandates real-time electronic invoice integration for all non-corporate registered businesses from June 1, 2025. In a letter addressed to the FBR Chairman, PCDA Chairman Abdul Samad Bhudhani highlighted the severe operational and financial strain the regulation would impose on pharmaceutical distributors—particularly the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that make up over 80% of the sector. 'While we support FBR's digitization efforts, the current timeline and blanket application of the mandate are neither realistic nor sustainable,' the letter stated. Bhudhani emphasized that pharmaceutical distribution is a high-volume, low-margin industry, where most businesses process between 15,000 to 25,000 invoices monthly and serve thousands of pharmacies across the country, including remote and semi-urban areas with limited digital infrastructure. The PCDA noted that many non-corporate distributors lack the technical capacity, IT resources, or financial ability to comply with real-time invoice integration, a system that requires instant connectivity, synchronization, and validation of every sale with FBR's central database. Drawing parallels with international practices, the PCDA cited Bangladesh and OECD guidelines, where such measures are rolled out in phases, focused on larger entities first, and backed by cost-benefit analyses and stakeholder engagement. The Association has made four key recommendations: Immediate exemption from SRO 709(I)/2025 for non-corporate pharmaceutical importers, distributors, and wholesalers. Phased implementation beginning with corporate entities or those exceeding a fixed annual turnover (e.g., Rs. 500 million), followed by others in 12–18 months. Launch of an industry-wide digital readiness assessment and pilot program to test real time invoicing systems in the pharmaceutical sector. Formation of a joint working group including PCDA, FBR, and FPCCI to design practical and sector-sensitive rollout strategies. Bhudhani warned that an unplanned enforcement of the policy could lead to medicine supply disruptions, closure of small businesses, and a spike in non-compliance—outcomes contrary to the policy's intended goals. He urged the FBR to consider sector-specific realities and adopt a collaborative approach to reform. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
27-04-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Suspension of trade with India: Chemists seek alternative sources for raw materials import
KARACHI: The Chemists and Druggists have called for finding alternative sources for pharmaceutical raw materials following the suspension of trade with India. Last year, Pakistan's pharmaceutical industry recorded $305 million in trade with India. Druggists said vaccines, biological products, and cancer medicines can now be imported from countries like China, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Europe. It noted that while Indian raw materials were cheaper, they were often of lower quality compared to alternatives available globally. Since tensions with India in 2019, efforts have been underway to reduce reliance on Indian pharmaceutical imports. Chairman Pakistan Chemists and Druggists Association (PCDA) urged the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) to accelerate the registration of high-quality medicines from new sources to meet local demand. Samad emphasized that Pakistan can fully leverage international markets and does not solely depend on Indian supplies. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
