Pakistan now produces 90% of its medicines locally, boosting healthcare and exports

Pakistan’s pharmaceutical sector has reached a significant milestone—90% of medicines available in the domestic market are now produced locally. This achievement not only ensures better healthcare access for millions but also positions Pakistan as an emerging player in the global pharmaceutical export market26.

Key Highlights

• 90% Local Production: The vast majority of medicines sold in Pakistan are now manufactured domestically, reducing reliance on imports and enhancing national self-sufficiency26.
• Export Growth: Pharmaceutical exports have surged by 52% since July 2024, with many locally produced medicines meeting international standards26.
• Government Support: Deregulatory policies and strategic partnerships are credited for stabilizing the sector and easing previous supply shortages26.
• Healthcare Impact: Increased local production means better availability, affordability, and quality control of essential medicines for Pakistani patients24.

Benefits of Local Medicine Production

• Improved Healthcare Access:
  • Faster and more reliable supply of essential medicines
  • Reduced risk of shortages during global supply chain disruptions
  • Enhanced quality assurance for locally consumed drugs
• Economic Advantages:
  • Growth in pharmaceutical exports, boosting national revenue
  • Job creation within the local pharmaceutical industry
  • Attraction of foreign investment and technology transfer4
• Strategic Independence:
  • Less dependence on imported medicines and raw materials
  • Ability to respond swiftly to national health emergencies

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite this progress, the industry still faces hurdles:

• Raw Material Imports: Over 90% of raw materials (active pharmaceutical ingredients) are still imported, mainly from countries like India and China57.
• Need for API Production: The government is actively encouraging local production of APIs (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients) to further reduce dependency and control costs7.
• Export Potential: With improved standards and capacity, Pakistan aims to expand pharmaceutical exports to new regions, especially Africa and Central Asia7.

Recent Government Initiatives

• Policy Reforms: Deregulation and support for private sector innovation
• Investment in Technology: Encouraging modern manufacturing and research facilities4
• International Collaboration: Partnerships with organizations like WHO and UNICEF to improve standards and access4

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What percentage of medicines are now produced locally in Pakistan?
A: 90% of medicines available in Pakistan’s domestic market are now manufactured locally26.

Q: How has local production impacted exports?
A: Pharmaceutical exports have grown by 52% since July 2024, with many products meeting global standards26.

Q: What are the next steps for the industry?
A: The focus is on increasing local production of raw materials (APIs) and expanding exports to new markets7