Pakistan’s pharmaceutical sector has reached a significant milestone with 90% of the country’s medicines now being produced locally. This development not only underscores the robustness of Pakistan’s domestic pharmaceutical industry but also highlights its growing capability to meet both local demand and international export standards.
Local Production Achievement:
Over 700 pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities are now producing the vast majority of the drugs consumed in Pakistan. This means that nearly every medicine available in the domestic market is locally manufactured, reducing reliance on imports. The Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PPMA) has emphasized that this local production covers 90 percent of the total drug supply.
Economic Impact and Export Potential:
The local pharma industry is a powerhouse not only does it cater extensively to domestic needs, but it also contributes significantly to national exports, accounting for about 52 percent of Pakistan’s total exports. Strengthening this industry further could lead to increased global competitiveness and additional export revenue, while also ensuring a consistent supply of essential medicines even during global market disruptions.
Collaborative Efforts for Quality:
At the first meeting of the National Workshop, The Role of Regulators, Pharma Industry, and Academia in Promoting Quality Healthcare Products, this milestone was highlighted. The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) and the Dr. Panjwani Centre for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research (PCMD) at the University of Karachi organised the session, which drew together top regulators, industry representatives, and health specialists.
Read more: Haleon begins exporting Made in Pakistan Centrum multivitamins to Kenya
Key figures including Health Secretary Rehan Iqbal Baloch, PPMA Chairman Tauqeer Ul Haq, and academic leaders like Prof. Dr. Atta-ur Rahman stressed the importance of collaborative efforts to further enhance the quality, safety, and affordability of healthcare products.
- Future Prospects:
The emphasis is now on leveraging local expertise to innovate, improve quality standards, and expand the range of products available. This collaboration is seen as vital for ensuring that Pakistan continues to produce safe, effective, and high-quality medicines that can compete on a global scale. Moreover, by bolstering local production, Pakistan is better positioned to handle future challenges such as supply shortages or global supply chain disruptions.
Achieving a 90% local production rate for medicines represents a major advancement in healthcare self-reliance. It benefits the public by ensuring better access and affordability to essential drugs and minimizes the risk imposed by reliance on imported medicines. Additionally, the export potential of a robust domestic pharmaceutical sector could further propel economic growth and enhance the nation’s reputation in the global pharmaceutical market.