Pakistan exports 1,700MT homeopathic medicines to 26 countries in five years

ISLAMABAD, Nov 25 (APP): Pakistan has exported nearly 1,700 metric tons of homeopathic medicines to 26 countries in five years, generating more than USD 5 million in revenue.
According to five-year data (2020-21 to 2024-25) of the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (NHSR&C) available with Wealth Pakistan, a total of 1,696.27 metric tons of homeopathic medicines were exported to 26 countries, fetching USD5.23 million.
The countries where the medicines were exported include Sudan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, the United States, Kenya, Yemen, the United Arab Emirates, Ghana, Malaysia, Mauritania, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Fiji, Lesotho, Cambodia, South Africa, Guyana, New Zealand, China, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Singapore.
Among these 26 countries, Sudan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan are major importers. Sudan imported 274.96 MT of homeopathic medicines from Pakistan in five years, followed by Bangladesh with 158.87 MT and Afghanistan with 157.96 MT.
The year-wise break-up of medicines is 238.99 MT in 2020-21, 165.93 MT in 2021-22, 229.40 MT in 2022-23, 284.00 MT in 2023-24, and 777.95 MT in 2024-25.
The total worth of these exported medicines, as calculated by the NHSR&C, is USD5.23 million, with USD0.86 million fetched in 2020-21, USD0.91 million in 2021-22, USD0.99 million in 2022-23, USD0.87 million in 2023-24, and USD1.60 million in 2024-25.
Meanwhile, Pakistan also spent USD21.28 million importing 7611.40 MT of homeopathic medicines from seven countries and regions, including Germany, France, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, the European Union and Spain.
The country imported 1966.20 MT of medicines in 2020-21, 2065.80 MT in 2021-22, 2099.20 MT in 2022-23, 1231.30 MT in 2023-24, and 248.9 MT in 2024-25. The largest quantity of homeopathic medicines, weighing 248.9 MT, was imported from Germany in 2024-25, costing USD5.18 million.
Health experts say that homeopathic medicines offer a natural and individualized approach to health by stimulating the body and self-healing mechanisms. Normally, these medicines are prepared from highly diluted substances, making them generally safe with minimal side effects.
Talking with Wealth Pakistan, health expert Muhammad Mahar said homeopathy treats the person as a whole, addressing physical, emotional, and mental symptoms rather than just isolated diseases. “It can help manage chronic conditions, allergies, digestive issues, and stress-related problems,” he said, adding that many people prefer homeopathy for its gentle, non-invasive nature, suitability for all ages, and emphasis on long-term wellness. However, the effectiveness varies.
Mahar said the export of homeopathic medicines offers significant financial and strategic benefits for both manufacturers and the national economy. The global demand for alternative and natural healthcare products is growing. By tapping into international markets, companies can increase revenue streams, achieve higher profit margins, and diversify their customer base, reducing dependency on domestic sales alone.
He further highlighted that on a broader economic level, homeopathic medicine exports contribute to foreign exchange earnings and strengthen the national economy. It creates jobs across the manufacturing, research, marketing, and logistics sectors, boosting local industries.
Additionally, exporting innovative or standardized formulations enhances the country’s global reputation in alternative medicine, which will definitely open doors for international collaborations, investments, and knowledge exchange.
Beyond financial gains, exporting these medicines promotes public health worldwide by providing access to safe, natural treatment options, which are often in demand in countries with a growing preference for holistic wellness, he added.