ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PPMA) Chairman Mian Khalid Misbah ur Rehman inaugurated the 7th Pakistan Pharma Summit by outlining an ambitious vision to boost Pakistan's pharmaceutical exports from just over $300 million to $3 billion within five years.
The summit, held at a local hotel in Islamabad, gathered industry leaders, government officials, and international experts to chart the future of Pakistan’s pharmaceutical sector.
In his address on the occasion, PPMA chairman attributed recent industry growth of 24pc to the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan’s (DRAP) deregulation of drug prices, improved medicine availability, and efforts to address shortages.
Mr Rehman highlighted PPMA’s vital role in meeting 90pc of the country's medicinal requirements through local production, while also acknowledging significant challenges that threaten the sector’s progress.
He urged the government to expedite critical amendments to the Drug Act of 1977, a move essential for industry growth. He noted that, although price deregulation had resulted in higher drug prices, it had also alleviated severe shortages, improving the overall medicine supply.
Key speakers at the summit included Dr Mehmood Khan, CEO of Hevolution Foundation in Saudi Arabia, who spoke on the theme “From Molecules to Markets: Leveraging Global Innovation, Collaboration, and Leadership Insights to Unlock Pakistan’s Life Sciences Potential.” Dr Khan stressed the importance of collaboration and innovation in shaping Pakistan’s pharmaceutical future.
Former PPMA chairman Dr Qaiser Waheed called for digital transformation within the sector to stay competitive with regional rivals like India and Bangladesh. He criticised the current regulatory framework, where controlled substances fall under narcotics oversight rather than health authorities, advocating for a more focused approach on these critical areas.
“We must ensure that DRAP’s powers remain intact and are not transferred to departments lacking medical expertise,” Dr Waheed warned, expressing concerns about regulatory inefficiency.
Dr Malik Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Health reiterated the government’s commitment to transforming the pharmaceutical industry into a leading export sector, pledging that policies are in place to accelerate industry growth, adding that the summit offers a unique opportunity for stakeholders to collaborate on strategies to strengthen the sector. Dr Bharath also addressed the complexities of the Drug Act, explaining that health matters were devolved to the provinces after the 18th Amendment, and promised to seek consensus on reforms through the Council of Common Interests (CCI).
Pinar Kivilcim, Global Client Officer at Ipsos Healthcare, emphasised the importance of market research in driving pharmaceutical growth. Her presentation, titled “From Insights to Impact: Leveraging Market Research for Pharma Growth,” underscored the significance of data-driven decision-making in understanding market dynamics and consumer behaviour.
DRAP CEO Asim Rauf highlighted ongoing efforts to secure WHO Level-3 certification for the regulatory body, a move that would strengthen Pakistan’s position in international markets.
He said DRAP is preparing for an international audit and encouraged the industry to align itself with global standards. Rauf praised the summit’s theme, noting it reflects the industry’s alignment with global trends.
“Despite the challenges, Pakistan’s pharmaceutical sector is growing, with exports on the rise,” he stated, citing recent access to the UAE and European markets as evidence of progress.
Dr Dennis Hall, Vice President for Advanced Manufacturing Technologies at the US Pharmacopeia, stressed the importance of digital transformation in pharmaceutical manufacturing. He said that investments in advanced technologies not only enhance efficiency but also improve product quality, boosting export potential.
AI and digital transformation expert Dr Semih Kumluk highlighted the role of artificial intelligence in reshaping the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in drug discovery and clinical trials. He emphasised the importance of AI in personalised treatments and the critical role of data in driving this transformation.
Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan announced the reactivation of 16 sectoral councils, tasked with formulating comprehensive strategies for industrial growth and trade promotion. These recommendations, he stated, will be presented to the Export Development Board, chaired by the prime minister, for swift implementation.
The summit concluded with the Pharma Export Summit Awards (PESA 2024), where Senate Chairman Yusuf Raza Gilani was the chief guest. He commended the industry’s achievements and its growing potential in high-value markets such as the US and Europe.
“This is a promising industry with a bright future,” Gilani remarked, as he presented awards to the top 50 exporting companies.
The efforts of M. Haroon Qassim, Chairman of the Summit Organising Committee, and Dr Qaiser Waheed, Conference Chairman, were applauded for successfully organising the event.