Pharma industry urges health ministry to facilitate local API production, rationalise taxes

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ISLAMABAD: The country’s pharmaceutical industry has demanded the Ministry of Health to immediately facilitate local production of active pharmaceuticals (APIS), to rationalize import taxes on APIS and other raw materials, and aimed at increasing the country’s pharmaceutical exports.

A delegation of the Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PPMA), at a high -level meeting in Islamabad with Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal, headed by its chairman Tafir -ul -Haq, highlighted a number of important issues facing the domestic pharma sector.

The delegation called on the Minister to help reduce import duty on a pre -fabricated structure, which is necessary to meet the international regulatory and approval standards needed to compete in global markets.

The chairman of the PPMA emphasized that with the support of the right policy, the country’s pharmaceutical sector can significantly increase exports and reduce its heavy dependence on imported raw materials. He said that international compliance is rapidly linked to the infrastructure and process certification, and less duties on the inputs of such capitals will provide local manufacturers to competitive edge.

He said that after several meetings with the Ministry of Health, the Special Investment Facility Council (SIFC), Pakistan’s Drug Regulatory Authority (DRAP) and the Ministry of Law, an important amendment to the drug law project has been finalized. He said the amendment is now awaiting approval by the DRAP policy board.

PPMA officials emphasized that preliminary approval of this amendment is very important for the industry’s smooth operation and attracting foreign investment in the country’s pharmaceutical sector.

In response, Health Minister Mustafa Kamal assured the PPMA delegation that the proposed amendment would be approved after taking over the office of the new Federal Health Secretary and the launch of the policy board meeting.

To deal with the wider issues of the Minister of Health and MQMP, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to achieve self -sufficiency in the preparation of API. Kamal said, “The government is fully committed to self -reliance in pharmaceutical production. We are preferring every step necessary to strengthen local manufacturing and reduce the dependence on imported APIs.”

Additional Health Secretary Health and Chief Executive Officer Drip Dr. Obaidullah was also present at the meeting to discuss the proposed reforms on local drug production, API manufacturing, export capacity, and current drug rules.

The Minister of Health directed the drop to submit a comprehensive report on the proposed Nephra Crake Project. He said that such infrastructure will ensure the permanent availability of essential materials and help stabilize the drug prices.

Highlighting regional trade cooperation, Kamal appreciated the progress made in health agreements with Afghanistan and highlighted the need to increase cooperation in the API domain. “Our pharmaceutical diplomacy with Afghanistan will be strengthened, and the two countries will benefit through shared access and development in this sector,” he said.

On the issue of fake drugs, the Minister of Health reaffirmed the government’s zero tolerance policy. He announced the introduction of a modern barcoding system, under which every medicine pack will be printed with a unique barcode, which will easily confirm the authenticity and retail price of the product to patients and healthcare professionals.

“Fake medicines not only damage Pakistan’s reputation globally but are a direct threat to human lives,” he said. No compromise can be made. The pharmaceutical industry has to ensure that all necessary security arrangements are available for public health. “