90% of drugs sold in Pakistan locally made: PPMA

April 18, 2025 (MLN): Pakistan’s pharmaceutical sector now manufactures 90% of the medicines available in the domestic market, representatives of the Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PPMA) told Health Minister Mustafa Kamal during a recent meeting in Islamabad.

The delegation noted that many of these locally produced medicines meet global export standards, positioning Pakistan to further scale its pharmaceutical exports, which have already surged 52% since July 2024.

The PPMA credited government deregulation for stabilising the sector and easing previous supply shortages.

The Health Minister acknowledged the industry’s progress and reaffirmed support for policy continuity to help expand export potential and strengthen healthcare accessibility.

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 centres and referral systems, tertiary hospitals are facing overwhelming patient loads. “70% of patients who should be going to Basic Health Units (BHUs) end up at major hospitals,” he stated.

Kamal emphasized that the key to resolving these challenges lies in telemedicine. “Over 80% of our population is already using technology. Through telemedicine, we can reduce the burden on hospitals and are working on a comprehensive strategy to implement this,” he explained.

He called upon the pharmaceutical industry to play a vital role in the promotion of telemedicine and offered full government support in this area.

Highlighting the integration of technology into health systems, the Minister announced a significant reform: “With NADRA's support, the national ID number will now serve as a patient's Medical Record (MR) number.”

Mustafa Kamal further shared an ambitious plan: “Soon, we will be delivering doctors and medicines right to people’s doorsteps.”

He acknowledged the shortcomings in Pakistan’s healthcare system but reaffirmed the government's commitment to leveraging technology for improved and accessible healthcare services.

The Minister also stressed the government's determination—both at federal and provincial levels—to eliminate counterfeit and substandard medicines.

He advocated for the implementation of QR codes to ensure the availability of safe, effective, high-quality, and affordable medicines to the public. “Fake medicines tarnish the reputation of our country and our companies,” Mustafa Kamal said, urging pharmaceutical companies to take strict measures in this regard.