The Secretary of Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (NHSR & C), Iftikhar Ali Shallwani, chaired the inaugural meeting of the Technical Working Group on Pharma Sector Enhancement. The primary objective of this group is to address the current challenges facing the pharmaceutical sector in Pakistan and to develop immediate and long-term solutions to bolster investment and exports in the industry. The meeting, attended by key stakeholders including representatives from the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), National Institute of Health (NIH), Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PPMA), Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), and Board of Investment (BOI), focused on listening to the concerns raised by the pharmaceutical industry and providing necessary support from the Ministry. Secretary Iftikhar Ali Shallwani highlighted the significant progress made under the Ministry's leadership, particularly in achieving deregulation milestones. He emphasized the Ministry's commitment to establishing a Health City in Islamabad, a comprehensive healthcare ecosystem that includes a state-of-the-art hospital, diagnostic labs, a medical tower, a center for medical tourism, and a pharmaceutical economic zone. This initiative aims to enhance indigenous pharmaceutical production, promote sustainable practices, and attract foreign investment by offering a conducive business environment. Recognizing the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector as vital to the economy, Secretary Shallwani emphasized the need for a competitive market and ease of doing business. He encouraged potential investors to invest in the sector to diversify and lower drug prices, thus breaking monopolies. Secretary Shallwani advocated for providing incentives to the pharmaceutical sector and solicited proposals from industry representatives to streamline pricing and price control mechanisms for essential and non-essential drugs. He stressed the importance of adhering to international standards to improve the export prospects of Pakistani pharmaceutical products and underscored the Ministry's commitment to taking stringent measures against counterfeit drugs and those endangering public health. The Ministry of NHSR & C reaffirms its dedication to fostering a conducive environment for the pharmaceutical industry to thrive, thereby contributing to the overall health and well-being of the nation.
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