ISLAMABAD: Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Health Dr Mukhtar Ahmed Bharath on Wednesday said that Pakistan’s pharmaceuticals sector achieved growth over the past few years, with local production meeting approximately 90 per cent of the domestic pharmaceutical needs. Addressing a conference organised by the Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturer’s Association (PPMA), he said the pharma industry has become a cornerstone of Pakistan’s economy, generating billions of rupees and providing employment to countless individuals. He attributed this success to the government’s proactive approach, particularly the prime minister’s commitment to developing the sector. “Since day one, it has been a priority of our government to implement supportive policies for achieving a sustainable model for the pharma sector’s growth,” he stated. This strategic focus has led to a surge in pharmaceutical exports and an overall growth trajectory in the industry, he added. Dr Mukhtar said key initiatives have been introduced to enhance the business environment for pharmaceutical manufacturers. Bharath says discussions to form ‘independent pricing board’ underway “Notably, significant reforms have been implemented in the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (Drap), which include the digitisation of regulatory functions, streamlining of licencing and registration processes, and the adoption of international standards. These reforms aim to create a more transparent and efficient regulatory framework, significantly reducing the backlog of applications,” he added. As part of these initiatives, he announced, Drap was advertising 200 new technical positions to bolster its workforce, ensuring that the authority can effectively manage the increased demands of the growing sector. “Furthermore, discussions are underway regarding the establishment of an independent pricing board, which is expected to resolve pending cases related to drug pricing,” he added. However Dr Mukhtar acknowledged the challenges persisted. “Both the government and the pharmaceutical sector are eager to achieve developmental milestones that benefit the populace and the economy,” he said, and emphasised the urgent need for the industry to adopt international standards. He also commended the Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PPMA) for its support in this endeavour. “Implementation of international standards is crucial for our progress,” he noted. While bioequivalence has already been implemented, consultations on the PIC/S GMP guidelines are nearing completion, with positive feedback from the PPMA, he added. In conclusion, Dr Mukhtar urged the stakeholders to not only celebrate the achievements of the pharmaceuticals sector but also to critically analyse the path forward. “The future of healthcare in Pakistan depends on our collective efforts today,” he said, expressing optimism and determination for the continued growth of the industry. Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan, while reaffirming the government unwavering commitment to revitalising and advancing pharmaceutical industry, said that the ministry was reactivating 16 sectoral councils to prepare comprehensive plans and policies for industrial development and trade promotion in the country. The minister said that the suggestions from the sectoral councils would be presented to the export development board, headed by the prime minister, for their swift implementation. The minister pointed out that due to the focus on a few sectors, all other sectors were ignored, and now it was essential to concentrate on those sectors with the potential to excel. In his welcome address, PPMA Chairman Mian Khalid Misbahur Rehman said that PPMA was a recognised trade body with over 250 members and started its journey in 1961. He said that 90 per cent country’s medicines need was being fulfilled through local production. The pharma industry was providing quality medicines to the people at affordable prices, he added. He said that they wanted to enhance the medicine exports to $3 billion over the next five years, hoping that this target would be easy to achieve. Recently, a Senate panel expressed concerns about the quality of drugs produced in Pakistan, noting that they often did not meet international standards.