Just four Pakistan made drugs WHO certified

Pakistan’s Pharmaceutical Industry Faces WHO Prequalification Gap

Pakistan, a significant player in regional pharmaceutical manufacturing, lags in the number of medicines prequalified by the World Health Organization (WHO). Currently, only four therapeutic products from Pakistan meet WHO’s stringent quality standards. This disparity highlights challenges in aligning local manufacturing processes with global benchmarks.

The Importance of WHO Prequalification

WHO prequalification is crucial for several reasons:

• Global Recognition: It signifies that a medicine meets international standards of quality, safety, and efficacy.
• Market Access: Prequalification opens doors to supplying medicines to international procurement agencies and developing countries.
• Public Health Impact: Ensures access to reliable and effective treatments, particularly for diseases prevalent in low- and middle-income countries.

Factors Contributing to the Gap

Several factors contribute to the limited number of prequalified products:

• Stringent Requirements: Meeting WHO’s rigorous standards requires significant investment in manufacturing infrastructure, quality control, and regulatory compliance.
• Capacity Building: Local manufacturers may need assistance in upgrading their facilities and processes to meet international benchmarks.
• Regulatory Hurdles: Navigating the prequalification process can be complex, requiring expertise and resources.

Addressing the Challenges and Way Forward

To bridge this gap, Pakistan’s pharmaceutical industry can focus on:

• Investing in Infrastructure: Upgrading manufacturing facilities to meet international standards is essential.
• Strengthening Quality Control: Implementing robust quality management systems to ensure product safety and efficacy.
• Seeking Technical Assistance: Collaborating with international organizations and experts to build capacity and navigate the prequalification process.
• Streamlining Regulatory Processes: Simplifying and expediting the regulatory pathway for prequalification.

Final Overview

Increasing the number of WHO-prequalified medicines from Pakistan will enhance the country’s reputation as a reliable pharmaceutical manufacturer, improve access to quality medicines both locally and globally, and contribute to better public health outcomes. Addressing the existing challenges through strategic investments and collaborations is crucial for achieving this goal.