Kiani for uplifting pharma sector to enhance exports

ISLAMABAD, Sep 27 (APP):Minister for National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination Amer Mehmood Kiani Thursday underscored the need to uplift the pharmaceutical sector to enhance exports in this sector which has immense potential.
He said this while chairing a meeting with pharmaceutical exporters to discuss mechanisms to boost the volume of pharmaceutical and alternative medicine exports.
The minister said it can be boosted to achieve desired targets by engaging Pakistani missions abroad who will facilitate those Pakistani pharma exporters in ease of doing business abroad after fulfilling the regulatory requirements of importing country.
He advised the pharma sector to submit a working paper on how the export volume of this sector can be improved.
He emphasized the need of harmonization and facilitation of pharma export sector by engaging Customs and Trade and Development Authority of Pakistan for resolution of their grievances.
He said pharma sector has a huge potential and needs harvesting for the benefit of the country by earning money abroad through improved exports of pharmaceutical and alternative medicine.
Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) CEO Dr Sheikh Akhter Hussain apprised that the authority has already taken the initiative to facilitate local manufacturers who are exporting to other countries.
This facilitation included fast track registration, incentive of registration of one molecule against a hundred thousand US dollars of export in a fiscal year, guidance and facilitation in issuance of regulatory documentation for the purpose of exports.
He said the DRAP is harmonizing its regulatory function in line with international best practice for recognition and acceptance of local pharmaceutical industry abroad.
DRAP CEO assured the pharma industry that in order to further facilitate the exports, authority will establish a separate desk for export purpose only where all the concerns of the exporters will be addressed regarding issuance of necessary documentation.
He said DRAP will also facilitate the exporters for registration, enlistment and issuance of GMP certificate and certificate of pharmaceutical products (CoPP).
The CEO also assured the pharma sector that DRAP is adamant at ensuring quality, safety and efficacy of medicine and every effort will be made to facilitate the industry in the ambit of the law.
He said the boost in pharmaceutical and alternative medicine sector will also be able to bring new technologies and research and development labs in Pakistan.
It was apprised that pharma industry could expand its volume of exports as the 6th largest sector contributing to the overall exports of Pakistan. Pharma export sector is currently earning 230 million US dollars and has a potential to expand up to two billion US dollars.