Local pharma industry: Govt urged to create conducive environment
The pharma industry presented their demands to the Federal Minister for National Health Services and Regulations, Syed Mustafa Kamal, during a meeting here on Wednesday.
Both the sides deliberated on key matters related to the pharmaceutical sector, including amendments in drug rules, indigenous production of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), and the expansion of export opportunities particularly in the context of bilateral collaboration with Afghanistan.
During the meeting, the minister emphasised the government's commitment to fostering the local pharmaceutical manufacturing industry and reiterated the strategic importance of domestic API production. 'We must work jointly to ensure local production of APIs, not only to reduce reliance on imports and save valuable foreign exchange reserves, but also to unlock the export potential of our pharmaceutical products,' the minister stated.
To advance this vision, the federal minister directed the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) to develop a comprehensive concept note on the establishment of a Naphtha Cracker facility. This initiative aims to promote self-sufficiency in the production of essential raw materials for the pharmaceutical industry.
Furthermore, the minister reaffirmed the government's resolve to eradicate the menace of counterfeit medicines from the market. 'We are introducing a modern trace and track system whereby a unique bar code will be printed on every medicine. This system will allow patients to verify the authenticity and retail price of any medicine using their mobile phones,' the minister added.
The PPMA chairman highlighted that Pakistan's pharmaceutical exports currently stood over $450 million, but with government backing, this figure could cross $2 billion dollars within next two years.
The minister acknowledged the immense potential for pharmaceutical exports, particularly in markets across South-West Asia and Central Asia. He encouraged the PPMA to submit a comprehensive proposal to enhance exports, assuring them that the ministry would provide the necessary support.
The meeting concluded with a mutual understanding to strengthen public-private partnerships, streamline regulatory frameworks, and jointly pursue strategic initiatives to enhance pharmaceutical manufacturing, ensure medicine quality, and promote exports.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Recorder
14 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Call for global solidarity to protect journalists in peril
KARACHI: A round table with representatives of the media and blogosphere was held at the Russian House in Karachi. Representatives of the professional community gathered to discuss issues of life and safety of journalists working in conflict and military zones. The past 2024 turned out to be the deadliest year for journalists in history, according to a fresh report from the Committee to Protect Journalists. As a result of various attacks and conflicts around the world, at least 124 reporters and media workers were killed. Compared to the previous year, almost one and a half times more died - 84 journalists were killed in 2023. The event at the Russian House took place on a significant date - the anniversary of the death in Donbass of Russian photojournalist Andrei Stenin, who fell tragically on August 6, 2014 while on an editorial assignment. His name has become a symbol of courage and dedication to the profession. In his memory, a photo exhibition of his works was opened at the Russian House in Karachi, where vivid and poignant shots related to the conflict in Ukraine were presented, capturing the fates of ordinary people who found themselves at the epicentre of the tragedy. The roundtable participants emphasized the importance of international solidarity in protecting journalists, especially those working in life-threatening situations. They also discussed mechanisms of legal and diplomatic support, the role of civil society, and the need to cover the conflict from both sides while maintaining professional ethics and humanism. The event featured personal stories, an analysis of security practices, and proposals for strengthening cooperation between journalistic organizations in different countries. The Russian House expressed its readiness to continue supporting projects aimed at protecting freedom of speech and the memory of journalists who were killed. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
15 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Prof Rauf given Best Performance Academic Excellence Award
FAISALABAD: Government College University Faisalabad has once again made its mark on the national academic stage as its Vice Chancellor, Prof Dr Rauf-i-Azam, received the prestigious Best Performance Academic Excellence Award 2025. The award was conferred by the Governor of Punjab during the grand ceremony of the Academic Excellence Awards, organized by the Association of Private Sector Universities of Pakistan (APSUP) in Lahore. This distinguished award recognises Prof Dr Rauf-i-Azam's visionary academic leadership, his promotion of modern pedagogical and research trends, transformative institutional development initiatives, and his unparalleled contributions toward elevating the standard of higher education in Pakistan to an international level. Under his dynamic leadership, Government College University Faisalabad has achieved remarkable milestones. Initiatives such as the execution of world-class research projects, strategic collaborations with international institutions, and the integration of digital transformation have propelled the university into the ranks of prominent higher education institutions not only in Pakistan but also on the global stage. The university has witnessed significant improvements in global and national rankings, secured notable positions in international research indices, and provided students with state-of-the-art learning opportunities in line with the demands of the modern world — all testaments to Prof Dr Rauf-i-Azam's forward-looking vision. Speaking on the occasion, Prof Dr Rauf-i-Azam expressed his gratitude, stating this award is not just a personal honour; it is recognition of the dedication, hard work, and commitment of the entire faculty, students, and administrative team of Government College University Faisalabad. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
16 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Dar, FM Türkiye review bilateral cooperation
ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Sunday spoke with Foreign Minister of Türkiye, Hakan Fidan late last night. The two leaders reviewed Pak–Türkiye bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on current regional and international developments. They also expressed grave concerns at the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. The DPM/FM condemned the Israeli plan for a complete military takeover, calling it a flagrant violation of international law and UNSC resolutions. He also stressed the urgent need for providing unimpeded humanitarian assistance, and an end to Israeli impunity. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
