Leading healthcare experts and government officials have called for enhanced collaboration among drug regulators, the pharmaceutical industry, and academic institutions to ensure the production of high-quality healthcare products in Pakistan. The appeal was made during a national workshop held on Saturday at the University of Karachi (UoK).
The event, titled “The Role of Regulators, Pharma Industry, and Academia in Promoting Quality Healthcare Products,” was jointly organized by the Dr Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research (PCMD) and the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP). It took place at the Prof Salimuzzaman Siddiqui Auditorium of the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi.
Speakers at the workshop highlighted that 90 percent of Pakistan’s medicines are produced locally by over 700 pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities. The pharmaceutical sector contributes significantly to the national economy, accounting for 52 percent of the country’s total exports and commanding a 70 percent share of the domestic market.
Sindh Health Secretary Rehan Iqbal Baloch stressed the importance of producing essential medicines within the country. He assured the Sindh Government’s support for initiatives aimed at enhancing healthcare quality and praised the University of Karachi’s ICCBS for its advanced research capabilities.
Tauqeer Ul Haq, Chairman of the Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PPMA), emphasized the sector’s rapid growth and its pivotal role in meeting national healthcare needs. He called for further development in manufacturing capabilities and research collaborations.
Former Federal Minister for Science and Technology, Prof Dr Atta-ur Rahman, urged the formation of a unified platform to connect industry leaders, exporters, regulators, and researchers. He commended Pakistani students for their academic excellence and stressed the importance of fostering innovation through education and science.
Prof Dr Muhammad Raza Shah, Director of ICCBS and UNESCO Chair holder, described the center as a world-class institution serving both national and international needs. He said the workshop offers a unique opportunity to develop collaborative strategies to enhance the safety, efficacy, and innovation of medical products.
Prof Dr M. Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General of OIC-COMSTECH, reflected on the development of ICCBS into a global research hub, linking quality healthcare to longer life expectancy.
Nadira Panjwani, Chairperson of the Dr Panjwani Memorial Trust, reiterated the crucial need for quality medicine in the healthcare sector and applauded the efforts of organizers in bridging gaps between academia, regulators, and industry stakeholders.
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The event concluded with a vote of thanks by DRAP Director Dr Saif-ur-Rahman Khatak, who emphasized continued efforts toward ensuring accessible and effective healthcare solutions in Pakistan.