Latest news with #Panadol

Express Tribune

24-07-2025

Business
Express Tribune

Haleon invests $12m in Panadol

Listen to article Haleon Pakistan has announced a fresh investment of $12 million to expand its manufacturing capacity, focusing on scaling up Panadol production. The move aims to meet growing domestic demand and ensure consistent availability of the widely used pain relief medicine. Speaking at Haleon's head office, CEO and General Manager Qawi Naseer said the company's 2022 demerger from GSK enabled it to focus exclusively on consumer healthcare. This shift has given the company greater autonomy to invest locally, innovate brands, and support community initiatives. Over the past three years, Haleon has made significant progress, including local production of Centrum, now available in both domestic and export markets. Naseer said the new $12 million investment is part of a broader plan to enhance production capabilities, subject to regulatory approvals. "Pakistan offers immense investment potential, but what's needed is policy consistency. Long-term economic frameworks of 5 to 10 years, advocated by bodies like The Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce & Industry (OICCI) and The Pakistan Business Council (PBC), are crucial for boosting investor confidence," he said. He also praised the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) for its pro-industry policies and regulatory support. The announcement comes as Pakistan's pharmaceutical sector shows signs of renewed strength, driven by macroeconomic stability and recent regulatory reforms. Analyst Muryum Palekar of Optimus Capital Management said deregulation of non-essential medicines, comprising 58% of the sector, has given long sought after firms pricing flexibility, improving margins despite modest volume growth. Palekar noted that population growth, urbanisation, and rising health awareness are structural trends supporting long-term growth. She named AGP, Abbot (ABOT), and GSK (GLAXO) as top investment picks, with the sector trading at a discount despite improving fundamentals. Historically tied to currency fluctuations, the sector is now benefiting from a more stable exchange rate and normalised raw material prices. In 2024, the pharma sector on the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) delivered a 228% return, driven by deregulation and improved macro conditions. With local manufacturing expanding and market conditions improving, Haleon's new investment signals growing confidence in Pakistan's pharmaceutical and healthcare ecosystem. On International Self?Care Day, Naseer discussed the company's ongoing investment strategy, self-care philosophy, and commitment to Pakistan. He confirmed that Haleon's new factory in Jamshoro is under construction and invited stakeholders to visit once the project is completed to experience it "in its prime". The site will increase Panadol production from 6 billion to 8 billion tablets annually. Future investments depend on DRAP's approvals. "Our global team has full confidence in Pakistan's potential," Naseer said. He added that the facility meets top international standards, including automated, touch?free packaging to ensure product purity. Naseer highlighted Pakistan's position as the fifth most populous country, with rising healthcare demand. He credited investor optimism to the passion and talent of Pakistani professionals, whom he compared favourably to global counterparts. Despite challenges such as energy, water, and logistics constraints, Haleon has taken proactive steps to mitigate risks. The Jamshoro facility is now 98% solar-powered, and an on-site RO water filtration system ensures a steady supply. He concluded by stressing the need for stable economic policies and consistent regulatory frameworks, which are critical to attracting foreign investment and sustaining long-term growth.

Production capacity boost: Haleon plans to ramp up investment in Pakistan

Business Recorder

24-07-2025

Business
Business Recorder

Production capacity boost: Haleon plans to ramp up investment in Pakistan

KARACHI: Haleon has planned to ramp up its investment in Pakistan with an initial outlay of $12 million, aimed at expanding its production capacity. As part of this strategic move, the company will scale up the manufacturing of Panadol to meet the country's rising demand more efficiently and ensure consistent supply of this essential medicine. Speaking to media at Haleon's head office, Qawi Naseer, CEO and General Manager Haleon Pakistan said that the demerger from GSK in 2022 allowed Haleon to focus exclusively on consumer healthcare, besides giving a greater autonomy to invest in local operations, brand innovation, and community impact initiatives. Haleon is a world leader in consumer health, operating in 170 markets with a portfolio spanning Oral Health, Pain Relief, Respiratory Health, Digestive Health, Vitamins, Minerals, Supplements, and Therapeutic Skin Health. Haleon Pakistan names Qawi Naseer as next CEO He said over the past three years, Haleon has achieved several significant milestones, including the successful launch of locally manufactured Centrum, which now caters to both domestic and export markets. Additionally, the company has committed a $12 million investment to scale up Panadol production to 8 billion tablets annually at the Jamshoro facility to efficiently meet the rising demand, Naseer added. 'We have a broader investment plan to further expand our manufacturing facility; however, these are subject to approvals from the regulatory authorities. We have submitted some plans, once the necessary approvals are secured, we will proceed with additional investments to enhance our production lines accordingly', he added. He also appreciated the role of DRAP in implementing the industry friendly policies. He informed that the majority of production of the Haleon is currently serving domestic demand, besides exports to Vietnam and Philippines. In addition, the goal is to export to 19 countries in the next 12-18 months, targeting 10 percent of total sales from exports. In order to enhance the exports, there will be a need to add more production lines, CEO Haleon said. Naseer emphasized that Pakistan is a land of opportunities, but consistent and sustainable economic policies are essential to attract greater investment. 'Organizations like OICCI and PBC are ready to support the government in formulating long-term economic policies spanning at least 5 to 10 years,' he noted. 'Such measures will play a key role in restoring investor confidence in Pakistan's economy,' he added. Haleon Pakistan is working with 450 employees across the country and a manufacturing facility in Jamshoro, besides regional sales offices in Multan, Lahore, and Islamabad. 'Haleon's transformation journey, exporting Centrum from Jamshoro and scaling local manufacturing, felt like a powerful platform to make a real difference,' he said. He informed that Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) are imported by all healthcare companies in Pakistan, however, the company is actively exploring local sourcing partnerships where feasible, without compromising on quality or compliance. Naseer encouraged allocation of ?200 million under science and technology for API import substitution and biotech R&D and said that this signals a positive step toward reducing Pakistan's reliance on imports and aligns with Haleon's interest in exploring local sourcing partnerships. However, he expressed concern about the introduction of an 18 percent sales tax on e-commerce transactions, especially since many consumers today rely on online channels to access OTC products like Panadol and Centrum. This could affect affordability and access, he said. Haleon has also strengthened its CSR footprint through health, education, and clean water initiatives across regions. Through the Health Partner Medical Information (HPMI) platform, Haleon trains healthcare professionals in self-care guidance. The briefing was part of the activities held to commemorate International Self-Care Day and to celebrate Haleon's third anniversary as an independent consumer health company. Naseer reaffirmed Haleon's commitment to empowering individuals to take charge of their everyday health through innovative and accessible self-care solutions. Haleon's mission under the commitment to self-care, is to empower individuals to manage their health through trusted products, education, and accessible solutions. With 57.5 percent of healthcare costs in Pakistan paid out-of-pocket, self-care, which is a preventive approach to healthcare, is critical for affordability and access, particularly in underserved areas. Haleon has taken multiple Initiatives for self-care and supporting healthcare professionals with self-care tools and training, collaborations with TCF, Smile Train, Allay Walay Trust, Oladoc, Marham, and Unicef to promote health equity, nutrition, and oral care and running awareness campaigns focused on preventive healthcare, oral hygiene, and maternal health. With access to healthcare remaining uneven and often unaffordable in Pakistan, self-care is emerging as a critical public health tool. Haleon is promoting self-care by empowering individuals to take charge of their health through trusted products and credible information, he informed. In 2024, the Haleon plant launched the 'SunPower Survival' project to further increase its renewable energy capacity by an additional 0.38 MWp. Of this, 0.18 MWp was successfully commissioned in 2024, with the remaining 0.2 MWp scheduled for commissioning in 2025. The site utilized an established third-party waste composting facility to improve waste circularity, converting approximately 31,529 kgs/annually of organic waste into fertilizer, thereby contributing positively to environmental sustainability. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025

Christchurch endometriosis patient ‘rejected' by public health system

NZ Herald

20-07-2025

Health
NZ Herald

Christchurch endometriosis patient ‘rejected' by public health system

'But of course, later, when I ended up having the surgery, I was actually diagnosed with endometriosis.' Tory McArthur has been trying to get treatment for endometriosis for many years. Photo / Supplied McArthur was having pre-cancerous cells removed through a series of biopsies when the endometriosis was finally discovered. 'The specialist advised getting a second opinion about endometriosis because of the intensity of the pain of the procedures,' she explained. 'I had an internal ultrasound where they could see my ovary wasn't moving so was then referred back to gynaecology as they believed then that something wasn't right.' McArthur underwent surgery, and widespread endometriosis was finally confirmed. It was removed, and McArthur had a hormonal intrauterine device implanted. IUDs – like the Mirena – is a long-acting, reversible form of contraception that can be an effective treatment option for endometriosis, primarily by reducing pain and heavy bleeding associated with the incurable condition. Photo / Endometriosis New Zealand It took about 10 weeks for McArthur to recover, but afterwards she was 'relatively pain free' for three years. 'And then I had another bout of pain where I had to go to the hospital. I couldn't deal with it. I sat in the waiting room for about six hours,' she said. 'I was in excruciating pain. I was on the floor and I was crying and trying to hold my s*** together, because I didn't really want to make a scene – but in the end I wasn't able to hold myself up and I just keeled over. 'A doctor gave me a Panadol and said to 'wait it out' until someone was able to see me … I was sent back to the waiting room. The pain was an 11 out of 10 – I felt like my insides were ripping themselves out. 'It got to the point, at about 4am, where I said to my partner, 'Just take me home, we've been here for hours and no one's coming'. I ended up dealing with it at home by myself, taking Panadol.' McArthur at her last hospital visit, where she waited for more than six hours before her partner took her home without being seen. Photo / Supplied Since then, McArthur has been 'back-and-forth' with her GP, trying different pain management options. She is allergic to some medications, and others have not worked or made little difference. 'Three or four times over the last 18 months, I have tried to get a specialist appointment, but every single one has been declined,' she said. 'My GP refers me, and they say no. They say that, basically, I'm not dying and I don't have cancer, so I am not a high-priority person even though I am in so much pain. 'The last time I was hospitalised, over about four or five hours, I was given all up around six to seven doses of fentanyl and five to six doses of morphine to try and get the pain eliminated. 'They did send a couple of gynaecologists in to 'once over' me… one of them said to me that healthcare is the worst she's seen in 30 years, and that there was nothing they could do for me. 'For me, surgery is the only fix ... There is medication, but not every medication works for everyone. I've had my IUD for seven years, and it's great at masking some of the pain, but it's not great. 'And nothing stops endo from growing and spreading … and contraception is meant to slow it down, but I'm unsure what pace." McArthur says she has missed work because she is not well enough to function - but cannot get the medical help she needs. Photo / Supplied In June, McArthur's GP referred her again. Just last week a specialist appointment was confirmed but it is not for months and there is no guarantee of actual treatment. McArthur, a media coordinator at NZME and photographer, cannot afford private medical care at this point in her life. A single appointment with a gynaecologist costs upward of $400. She purchased health insurance so she can get treatment in future. 'But because the endo is a preexisting condition, I have to wait until a three-year stand-down period is up. I am one year into that and they have just put my premiums up $20 a fortnight,' she said. 'So I am paying tax for a public health system I can't access and a s*** load more for private care I can't use yet. 'I feel incredibly let down. I know that there are always people worse than me, but I contribute to society, I pay my taxes and being rejected by the public system ... it just sucks.' McArthur said her endometriosis was more than just pain - it has also impacted her mental health, and tests showed her capacity to have children has been reduced because of the condition. 'My fertility level has dropped a lot. I'm not infertile, but it's not the greatest ... I was told by my doctor last year that I should be trying to have children now if I want them,' she said. 'Pregnancy can improve endo symptoms, but there is no guarantee ... It's not healthcare to be told to 'have a baby'. And, it is basically pushing me into a corner to have to make these decisions before I am ready. Having a baby is not where we are at this present point in time.' McArthur shared her experience because she wanted to highlight the 'inadequate' health care for women in New Zealand. She knows a lot of other women living with crippling endometriosis and wanted to raise awareness around the issue. 'A lot of people are just like 'oh, it's just bad periods. But it's not just bad periods – endo is an all-over-body chronic illness. It has been found on every major organ in the body – it's not just your uterus, it can grow on your pelvis and bowel. It can also spread to other organs around your body – they have even found endo near the brain before. Tory McArthur and her partner Ben Hibbs. Photo / Supplied 'People need help. Seven years ago, I got the surgery I needed with no qualms, and it helped. For many of us, at the moment, surgery is the only thing that can kind of remove the scar tissue you have. 'I don't want to be in the emergency department, I don't want to be off work ... I want to have this issue fixed and not to have to worry about it.' McArthur could not remember the last day she was pain-free and comfortable in her own body. 'I operate at a pain level of anywhere from three to five every day. I'm always cramping, and I'm always bloated. It doesn't matter what food or drink I eat, and it doesn't make a difference if you diet. Last year, I lost 15kg and I was still in excruciating pain,' she said. 'I cut out caffeine for a year. I cut out alcohol for a year and a half. I went vegetarian for six months. I felt no difference. People have said 'go vegan' – I've done it all. 'I did pelvic floor appointments where they have to go basically inside you and massage your pelvic floor, and that is beyond excruciatingly painful – and it feels deeply violating and each appointment I left in tears. 'I also did endo cupping which is where they use the same cupping technique on athletes but on your lower abdomen to try to get the tissue layers to separate to loosening adhesions. It is still a freaking insanely painful process too as they not only apply the cups to your lower abdomen but also drag them back and forth trying to release scar tissue physically. I did that like 7-8 times. 'I've done so many different things and looked into so many different avenues of healing to try. I take antidepressants, I do therapy.' Endometriosis is the presence of ectopic endometrial tissues outside the lining of uterine cavity. It is a well known cause of chronic pelvic pain and infertility in females. Endometriosis of the appendix is rare and may present with acute or chronic abdominal pain. McArthur said there had been many times she felt people thought she was a 'hypochondriac' or was being dramatic about her pain. She felt that people dismissed women with endometriosis and thought they should 'just get over it'. 'People don't realise, it can be so debilitating. And for so long I haven't been listened to ... It's so infuriating. It's disappointing.' Endo care in NZ 'inadequate' - advocate Endometriosis New Zealand chief executive Tanya Cooke said the level of care for Kiwis with the condition was 'inadequate'. 'People with the condition face long diagnostic delays, on average nearly 10 years. There are also major barriers to accessing timely, effective treatment and specialist care,' she said. 'There is a severe shortage of endometriosis specialists, and a lack of awareness and education in primary healthcare. This often results in symptoms being dismissed or misdiagnosed, and even once diagnosis has taken place, a long wait for treatment.' Cooke said McArthur's experience was common. 'Sadly, this is a reality we hear all too often. With at least 120,000 people in New Zealand living with endometriosis, far too many are being left to manage debilitating symptoms without proper support or care,' she told the Herald. 'We need a National Endometriosis Action Plan, similar to Australia's, that can provide a coordinated response to endometriosis in New Zealand.' Tanya Cooke, chief executive at Endometriosis New Zealand. Cooke said a national plan would improve diagnosis through the implementation of standardised care pathways and better GP education, while developing improved access to treatment and support. 'It would also drive public awareness, help fund much-needed research, and ultimately improve health outcomes and the quality of life for the 120,000 or so New Zealanders with endometriosis,' she said. 'Endometriosis is a serious and under-recognised health issue with major personal, social, and economic impacts, this includes significant impacts on productivity and healthcare costs. It's time for meaningful, coordinated action to address it.' She urged people with the condition to learn as much as possible so they could strongly advocate for themselves. 'Including how to interact with your GP and the health system,' she said. 'Know that your pain and what you are experiencing is real, trust your instincts and have courage and confidence to advocate for yourself, and don't give up.' 'Significant pressure' on Health NZ services Health New Zealand chief medical officer Professor Dame Helen Stokes-Lampard acknowledged 'current wait times' were causing people with endometriosis 'distress'. 'Our health services continue to experience significant pressures due to sustained high levels of acute demand and workforce shortages, and this is having an impact on planned care,' she told the Herald. 'Our immediate focus is on urgent patients and those who have been waiting the longest for treatment. We continue to work hard to put in place systems and processes so improvements to waiting times are made.' Health New Zealand chief medical officer Professor Dame Helen Stokes-Lampard. Photo / Health New Zealand She did not respond to questions about what the agency would do in future to help patients. She referred to a 'best practice guidance' published in March 2020 that was 'developed by a taskforce' of health professionals, Endometriosis NZ and 'those who live with the condition'. 'It has been made available via the Health Pathways programme to all clinicians working in the community and focuses on early presenting symptoms and investigation,' she said. 'Health Pathways is a 'one stop shop' for best-practice, condition-specific guidelines and associated information. The online resource is designed for primary health care practitioners to use during consultation, helping them manage and refer their patients to the most appropriate specialist, hospital or community-based services. 'In general, the guidance aims to support early recognition of symptoms and empower primary health care practitioners to make a diagnosis and commence management. Referral to secondary care gynaecological services is only advised if the patient has uncontrolled symptoms that have not responded to treatment options in primary care.' Stokes-Lampard did not have any advice for people struggling to get treatment, nor could Health NZ provide any data on the number of people waiting or declined for specialist care. Endometriosis - the facts Endometriosis is a common inflammatory disease estimated to affect 176 million individuals worldwide in their reproductive years. It affects at least 120,000 New Zealanders - roughly 1 in 10 girls, women and those assigned female at birth. Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (endometrium) is found in places outside of the uterus. It can be also be found on the pelvic ligaments, ovaries and bowel. In most cases, there can be symptoms including period pain, pelvic pain and sub-fertility or infertility. The cause of endometriosis is not fully understood, though it is generally considered multi-factorial with a strong genetic link. Endometriosis seems to run in families, so you are more likely to have it if there is a family history. What are the symptoms? Pain with periods (dysmenorrhoea) is often the most common symptom. Bowel problems like bloating, diarrhoea, constipation, pain with bowel movements, painful wind - sometimes diagnosed as IBS. Painful intercourse (dyspareunia). Sub-fertility or infertility. Tiredness and low energy. Pain in other places, such as the lower back. Pain at other times, eg with ovulation or intermittently throughout the month. Abnormal menstrual bleeding. Bladder troubles like interstitial cystitis (IC). Source: Endometriosis New Zealand. For more information, click here. Anna Leask is a senior journalist who covers national crime and justice. She joined the Herald in 2008 and has worked as a journalist for 19 years with a particular focus on family and gender-based violence, child abuse, sexual violence, homicides, mental health and youth crime. She writes, hosts and produces the award-winning podcast A Moment In Crime, released monthly on

Aussie man arrested for alleged cocaine possession in Bali

West Australian

15-06-2025

West Australian

Aussie man arrested for alleged cocaine possession in Bali

An Australian man has been arrested in Bali for alleged cocaine possession, police say. Nelson Philip James, 33, from Lismore, NSW, was detained by Indonesian police on Thursday after he was allegedly found with cocaine during a traffic stop at Badung. WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Aussie man arrested for alleged cocaine possession in Bali. The man and his female passenger were reportedly pulled over for not wearing helmets while riding a motorbike. Badung police chief Arif Batubara told reporters that James was 'acting nervous and initially refused to show documents'. 'During a traffic inspection on June 11, police were observing a traffic violation at the Pererenan area, Tanah Lot,' Batubara said. 'He was acting nervous and initially refused to show the documents. When asked again for his paperwork, he took out his hand and a plastic clip fell out of his pocket, but one plastic was still on his hand. Video from the arrest has surfaced online, appearing to show James offering an excuse for the suspicious parcel. 'Try it, it's Panadol. Panadol brother,' James shouts in the video. 'Test it, it's Panadol.' Police claim James later confessed the white powder was cocaine. 'According to (James), he bought the drugs in Ungasan on June 9. Details of the purchase are still being investigated,' Batubara said. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed that an Australian had been detained in Bali. 'We are in contact with local authorities and stand ready to provide consular assistance, to any Australian citizen, should they request it,' a DFAT spokesperson said. - With AAP

Aussie man's excuse as he's arrested for alleged cocaine possession in Bali

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