‘Pakistan aims to become major pharmaceutical producer’

Coordinator to Prime Minister on National Health Services, Dr. Malik Mukhtar Ahmad has said the government aims to position Pakistan as a major producer of pharmaceutical products. Addressing Pharma Export Summit in Islamabad on Wednesday, he said the path forward is to create an eco-system that nurtures innovation and drive sustainable growth of pharma industry. The Coordinator on National Health Services said the government is taking keen interest in developing pharma industry. Our determination is clearly evident in the form of various initiatives including the strengthening of Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP). He said the digitization of DRAP will soon be completed. Dr Malik Mukhtar Ahmad said Pharma industry of Pakistan has evolved significantly over the past few decades, contributing to local healthcare needs and economic development. He said the country has seen a marked increase in both local production and exports of pharmaceutical industry. He pointed out that ninety percent of Pa kistan's domestic needs are met by the local pharma industry, which is commendable. He expressed the confidence that more investment will pour into this industry. Source: Radio Pakistan