Revitalisation of pharma exports emphasised

Islamabad: Minister for National Health Services, Regulation, and Coordination Aamer Mehmmod Kiani has called for revitalising the exports of the pharmaceutical sector to boost the national exchequer.

Chairing the first meeting of Steering Committee of Pakistan Pharmaceutical Export Promotion Bureau here on Thursday, he said every possible facility will be provided to pharma sector as it has potential and capabilities to contribute towards national exchequer.

He appreciated the facilitation provided by the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan to pharmaceutical companies for the timely provision of regulatory documentation after establishing export facilitation desk.

The minister said the pharma sector contribution in exports could be enhanced by adopting a holistic approach. Secretary of the committee and DRAP CEO Dr Sheikh Akhter Hussain apprised the committee that current exports of therapeutic goods of Pakistan amounted up to $550 million, whereas it has a potential to expand and increase up to $2 billion in coming years only if effective coordination mechanisms were established.