Healthcare experts and government officials have called for greater collaboration among drug regulators, the pharmaceutical industry, and academia to ensure the production of high-quality healthcare products in Pakistan. The call to action came during a national workshop where it was revealed that an impressive 90 percent of the country’s medicines are manufactured domestically.
The one-day National Workshop, titled “The Role of Regulators, Pharma Industry, and Academia in Promoting Quality Healthcare Products,” was jointly organized by the Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research (PCMD), University of Karachi, and the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP). The event took place at the Prof. Salimuzzaman Siddiqui Auditorium, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi.
Speakers highlighted that Pakistan’s pharmaceutical sector is robust, with over 700 manufacturing facilities operating nationwide. The industry not only meets 90 percent of the country’s drug requirements but also accounts for 52 percent of Pakistan’s total exports—a testament to its growing international footprint.
Addressing the session, Sindh Health Secretary Rehan Iqbal Baloch emphasized the importance of producing essential medicines within the country and assured the Sindh Government’s support for the pharmaceutical sector and academia in raising healthcare standards. He also praised the advanced research facilities at ICCBS.
Tauqeer Ul Haq, Chairman of the Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PPMA), noted the significant growth of the industry, which now holds a 70 percent share of the domestic market. He reiterated that more than 700 companies are responsible for producing the vast majority of medicines used in Pakistan.
Prof. Dr. Atta-ur Rahman, Professor Emeritus and former Federal Minister for Science and Technology, called for a unified platform to bring together industry leaders, exporters, government officials, and researchers to address challenges and seize opportunities in the healthcare sector. He also lauded the academic achievements of Pakistani students.
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Raza Shah, Director ICCBS and UNESCO Chair holder, underscored the importance of science and technology for national progress and described ICCBS as a world-class institution serving both national and international communities. He said the workshop provided an ideal forum for regulators, industry, and academia to strategize on ensuring the safety, efficacy, and innovation of healthcare products.
Prof. M. Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General OIC-COMSTECH, highlighted the link between improved healthcare and increased life expectancy, while Nadira Panjwani, Chairperson of the Dr. Panjwani Memorial Trust, stressed the critical need for quality medicines as a foundation of the healthcare sector.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Dr. Saif-ur-Rahman Khatak, Director of DRAP, who commended the collaborative spirit of the workshop.
