Pakistan’s Pharmaceutical Exports Surge by 52% Following Industry Deregulation​

Pakistan’s pharmaceutical sector has experienced a significant boost, with exports increasing by 52% year-on-year. This growth is attributed to the government’s decision to deregulate the pharmaceutical industry, as reported by the Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PPMA).​

Government Policies Drive Export Growth​

PPMA Chairman Tauqeerul Haq highlighted that since July 2024, the sector has seen a 52% rise in exports. He credited this surge to the government’s deregulation policies, which have stabilized the industry and alleviated drug shortages in the market. The PPMA emphasized that 90% of medications available locally are produced domestically, with many meeting international export standards.​

Collaboration Between Government and Industry​

In a meeting with Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal, the PPMA delegation discussed enhancing cooperation between the government and the domestic pharmaceutical sector. Minister Kamal acknowledged the limitations of the current healthcare infrastructure and stressed the importance of integrating technology to improve healthcare access.​

Emphasis on Telemedicine and Digital Health Records​

Minister Kamal advocated for the adoption of telemedicine to reduce the burden on tertiary hospitals and improve healthcare delivery. He announced plans to utilize the national ID number, facilitated by NADRA, as a patient’s Medical Record (MR) number, aiming to streamline patient information and enhance healthcare services.​

Combatting Counterfeit Medicines​

Addressing the issue of counterfeit and substandard drugs, Minister Kamal emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring the availability of safe, effective, and affordable medicines. He encouraged pharmaceutical companies to implement QR codes on products to verify authenticity and protect the industry’s reputation.