After the pahalgam terrorist attack, India's action seems to be looming over pakistan in many ways. In such a situation, it is being said that there may be a shortage of medicines in pakistan as well. According to the report of Geo News, currently Pakistan is dependent on india for 30 percent to 40 percent of raw materials for medicines, which includes active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) and many advanced therapeutic products. Pakistan's Drug Regulatory Authority (DRAP) has confirmed that although no formal notification has been given about the impact of the ban on the pharmaceutical sector, contingency plans are already ready.
Looking for options in China, russia and european countries
A senior DRAP official said that after the 2019 crisis, we had started preparations for such an emergency. Now we are considering alternative ways to meet our drug needs. DRAP is now looking for alternative sources from China, Russia and many European countries.
The agency aims to ensure the continued availability of essential medical supplies, including anti-rabies vaccines, anti-snake venom, cancer therapies, monoclonal antibodies and other critical biological products. Even though DRAP assures that we have made preparations, pharma industry insiders and health experts have warned that a major challenge could arise if immediate action is not taken to deal with the ill-effects of the trade suspension.
Medicines come to pakistan through smuggling
The health Ministry has not yet received any official directive clarifying the status of drug imports, while the government has announced the suspension of all trade with India. The pharmaceutical sector fears that disruption in the supply chain could lead to serious problems in Pakistan. The situation is also serious regarding the black market of medicines in pakistan, where unregistered and unapproved medicines, many of which are of indian origin, come to pakistan through smuggling through Afghanistan, Iran, dubai and even the eastern border.
Appeal to exempt pharmaceutical sector from ban
A delegation of pharmaceutical industry leaders visited Islamabad on thursday to appeal for exemption from the trade ban. pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PPMA) President Tauqeer-ul-Haq said that we held meetings with DRAP and Commerce Ministry officials to discuss the suspension of trade relations. We urged them to exempt the pharmaceutical sector from the ban, as there are many life-saving products whose raw materials come exclusively from India.
click and follow Indiaherald WhatsApp channel