Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD, :A high-level delegation from the Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PPMA), led by its Chairman, met with Federal Minister for Health, Mustafa Kamal, to discuss strengthening collaboration between the government and the national pharmaceutical industry.According to the spokesperson of the Ministry of Health, the meeting focused on enhancing mutual cooperation and addressing the challenges faced by the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector. The delegation briefed the minister on the sector’s performance and notable progress in recent months.Since July 2024, Pakistan has witnessed a 52% increase in pharmaceutical exports, as highlighted in the briefing.The delegation credited this growth to the government’s deregulatory policies, which have stabilized the industry and helped eliminate drug shortages in the market.The delegation further noted that 90% of the medicines available in the local market are manufactured domestically, and many of these products meet the standards for export.Federal Minister Mustafa Kamal shared his vision for improving the healthcare system in Pakistan.He acknowledged the limitations of the current infrastructure, stating, “There will never be a day when the state alone can provide health facilities to every patient.”He pointed out that due to the absence of functioning primary healthcare centers and referral systems, tertiary hospitals are facing overwhelming patient loads.“Seventy percent of patients who should go to Basic Health Units (BHUs) visit major hospitals,” he stated.
