Pharma industry should also focus on Patents,
Digital innovation and research capability
7th Pakistan Pharma Summit 2024 by PPMA
ISLAMABAD: Senate Chairman Syed Yusuf Raza Gillani has advised the Pharma Industry to use local herbal plants for the production of pharmaceutical raw material which will save lot of foreign exchange. Speaking as chief guest in one of the sessions at the recently held 7th Pakistan Pharma Summit 2024 organized by Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association at Islamabad on September 25th 2024, he also suggested that the industry should build patents, go for digital innovation besides focusing on research capabilities.
Pharma is an important sector, we appreciate your efforts and acknowledge your contributions to meet the drugs requirement by the country uninterrupted even during the Covid19 Pandemic and other national crisis like earthquake.
Senate Chairman Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani chairing one of the sessions during the PHARMA Summit 2024 organized by PPMA on September 25th at Islamabad.
We also reaffirm our commitment to help solve some of your problems. Your contribution to produce about 85% of Pakistan’s drug requirement is commendable and the Awards being presented today is proof of your success. You need to contribute to our economic growth and development. Despite certain difficulties it is expanding and trying to enter the highly regulated markets of USA and Europe. It is also showing growth. Our current drugs exports stand at about US$ three hundred twenty five million and there is great potential for increasing this export. It is also commendable that the National Pharmaceutical industry has taken over significant share of the Pharma market in Pakistan.
Chief Executives of Pharma Industry photographed with the Senate Chairman Mr. Yusuf Raza Gilani during the PHARMA Summit 2024 held at Islamabad recently.
He further stated that the key areas for success was to build Patents, go for digital innovation and focus on research capability. International collaboration with leading pharmaceutical companies of the world, making investment in production, equipping the drug manufacturing facilities and introducing Biosimilars were the key areas for success. We have challenging times ahead. We need to increase our exports for which suggestions from PPMA will be welcome. He reiterated Government’s policy saying that they are committed to provide conducive environment which will encourage the pharma industry compete globally. We need to fully realize the potential of the pharma industry, he remarked.
Dr. Malik Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath Coordinator to Prime Minister on Health chairing the panel discussion during the PHARMA Summit 2024 organized by PPMA. Sitting on the dais some of the panelists are Mr. Haroon Qassim,
Dr. Kaiser Waheed, Dr. Mahwish and others.
Government wishes to encourage this sector. Drugs Act 1976 was introduced by the PPP government in 1976 but later no worthwhile amendments were made to this legislation. They are now being considered. DRAP was an innovation. From the national security point of view, taking care of the Domestic market and meeting the national needs is commendable. By producing quality drugs the industry is substituting almost Three billion dollars’ worth imports every year. Despite difficulties the industry is ready to go to the international market for exports. They promise three billion dollars in five years. De regulation of non-essential drugs prices will provide you some incentive to make investment, he added. Later he presented Export Trophy Awards to a large number of drug manufacturers in recognition of their contribution to the national economy.
Earlier Ch. Israr Sharif, Senior Vice Chairman of PPMA, CEO of Genix Pharma in his welcome address pointed out that only a few pharma companies in Pakistan have received International certification. India and Bangladesh are far ahead of us in drug exports. India has one window solution to encourage drugs exports. He suggested that the decision making should be with just one government department. He further suggested that pharma industry should be included in all State agreements signed with other countries and the Industry should be allowed to retain 35% of the revenue it generates for further investment. Parliament, Ch. Israr Sharif said was taking this industry seriously. It has lot of potential for growth and development. Innovations in the industry is the way forward. Their contribution to national economy and national heath are important.
Some Chief Executives and senior representatives of Pharma industry photographed with Dr. Malik Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath Coordinator to Prime Minister on Health chairing the panel discussion during the PHARMA Summit 2024 organized by PPMA.
Co-Chairman of the Pharma Summit Mr. Haroon Qassim in his introductory remarks pointed out that during the earlier sessions, we have discussed how the pharma industry can collaborate globally? USP can help us for international certification. Use of Artificial Intelligence in pharma industry was also discussed in detail. We need government support to solve the problems the industry was facing. This is the 7th Pharma Summit and third PESA Awards ceremony the PPMA has organized, he added.
Mr. Israr Sharif presented the vote of thanks and said that let us invest in Pakistan and discuss what we have to do in future and how we can improve ourselves.
