‘Maintaining balance in drug prices regulation govt’s responsibility’

LAHORE:Governor Muhammad Balighur Rehman on Wednesday inaugurated the 16th Pak Pharma and Healthcare Exhibition and Conference organised by Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PPMA) at Expo Centre here.

Punjab Governor while speaking to the media on this occasion, said that Pakistan's pharmaceutical industry is not only playing a positive role in the country's economy, but it is also providing employment opportunities to millions of people. He said that organising Pak Pharma and Healthcare Exhibition was a good initiative which would give boost to the pharmaceutical industry. He said that it is encouraging to see that 115 foreign and local exhibitors are participating in this exhibition. He appreciated the organisers of the exhibition for their efforts in arranging this exhibition regarding pharmaceuticals manufacturing and associated health related products and services.

Governor said that the exhibition would provide an excellent opportunity to all those who are interested in promoting their products and services. He said that the Punjab government was fully focused on providing international standard medical services in the provincial hospitals. He said that it is a good sign that Pakistani pharmaceutical companies are exporting medicines to different countries, which is increasing the country's foreign exchange.

In response to a question, Balighur Rehman said that it was the responsibility of the government to maintain balance in the regulation of drug prices. Patients should not be exploited under any circumstances, he added. In response to another question, governor said that the Punjab Assembly session would be convened soon as per the Constitution and law and all legal requirements would be fulfilled in this regard.

On this occasion, Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PPMA) Chairman Mian Khalid Misbahur Rahman, Sri Lanka Honorary Consul General Yasin Joya, Hamid Raza, Junaid Ghani Dr Uzair Nagra and others were present.