Public health and pharmaceutical sector waiting for standardized policies – Pakistan

Both the economy and the people of Pakistan are facing health problems. In the context of a debt-ridden economy and tax measures targeting tax-paying sectors, the role of policy-making is crucial in bringing the country out of this difficult situation.

Developing nations attach extraordinary importance to the public health and pharmaceutical sector for sustainable development. We have experts bemoaning the lack of trust and inconsistency in policy-making from these two interconnected fields. Moreover, vested interests are involved in smuggling of genuine medicines and sale of counterfeit medicines which is an additional headache.

The average age in Pakistan is around 67 which is the lowest among the countries in this ranking. The average age in South Asia is 71.6 years. A research report, “Healthcare in Pakistan: Navigating Challenges and Building a Brighter Future,” published in 2023, suggests that the best way to fix Pakistan’s faltering and compromised healthcare system is to increase financial support and improve infrastructure. To be promoted. The report also discussed other challenges facing this important sector.

The report also states that most of the life-saving medicines in Pakistan are so expensive that the common, poor man cannot afford to buy them.

Arshad Rahim has served as the Chief Executive Officer of Wyeth Pakistan Pharmaceuticals as well as a member of the Policy Board of the Drug Regulatory Authority (DRAP). They say that provision of quality medicines is necessary as substandard medicines are generally more expensive.

Arshad Rahim emphasizes the point that the future of the country depends on a healthy population. It is also inevitable to overcome the flaws and shortcomings found in the economy. More funding is needed for sectors that pave the way for positive changes in people’s lives.

Arshad Rahim further says that practical solutions should be proposed in this regard. It should be clear where the funds will come from to raise the quality of the public health sector. Government should focus on loss-making public sector enterprises to make them profitable.

Former Chairman of Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PPMA) Toqeerul Haq has also urged the government to focus more on the public health sector.

Many experts consider the fields of public health and pharmaceuticals to be of exceptional importance in terms of visible and invisible benefits. This industry requires skill and technology transfer and skilled manpower.

It is also worth noting that the inconsistency and excessive interference in government policies have forced many big companies and personalities to bid farewell to the pharmaceutical sector as well as the country.

Experts say that Pakistan is far from international agreements and cooperation in the field of pharmaceuticals and public health, due to which the access of drugs to the global market is limited and the scope for exports is very low. .