Islamabad: Secretary, Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (NHSR & C), Iftikhar Ali Shallwani chaired the inaugural meeting of the Technical Task Force on Strengthening the Pharmaceutical Sector. The primary objective of this group is to address the current challenges facing the pharmaceutical sector in Pakistan and develop immediate and long-term solutions to boost investment and exports in the sector.
The meeting was attended by key stakeholders including representatives from Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), National Institute of Health (NIH), Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PPMA), Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and Board of Investment (BOI). ), aimed at listening to the concerns raised by the pharmaceutical industry and providing the necessary support from the Ministry.
Secretary Iftikhar Ali Shallwani highlighted the significant progress made under the ministry’s leadership, particularly in achieving deregulation milestones. He highlighted the ministry’s commitment to create a Health City in Islamabad, a comprehensive healthcare ecosystem that includes a state-of-the-art hospital, diagnostic laboratories, a medical tower, a medical tourism center and a pharmaceutical economic zone. This initiative aims to increase domestic pharmaceutical production, promote sustainable practices and attract foreign investment by offering a favorable business environment.
Acknowledging the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector as vital to the economy, Secretary Shallwani stressed the need for a competitive market and ease of doing business. He urged potential investors to invest in the sector to diversify and reduce drug prices, thus breaking monopolies.
Minister Shallwani advocated providing incentives to the pharmaceutical sector and sought suggestions from industry representatives to streamline pricing and price control mechanisms for essential and non-essential drugs. He stressed the importance of adhering to international standards to improve the export prospects of Pakistan’s pharmaceutical products and emphasized the ministry’s commitment to take strict action against counterfeit drugs and those that pose a threat to public health.
The Ministry of NHSR & C reaffirms its commitment to foster an enabling environment for the development of the pharmaceutical industry thereby contributing to the overall health and well-being of the nation.
