Pakistan Eyes 100 New Pharma Export Markets as WHO Level-3 Accreditation Nears: Senate Told
Pakistan is moving towards opening more than 100 additional international markets for its medicines as it prepares to secure World Health Organization (WHO) Maturity Level-3 accreditation. This was apprised by Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, Syed Mustafa Kamal, to the Senate.
Currently, Pakistan is exporting pharmaceutical products to 52 countries, with Level-3 accreditation expanding access further. The regulatory assessment process is in progress, with another evaluation scheduled for October, followed by a final inspection of federal and provincial regulatory systems.
The government aims to achieve WHO Maturity Level-3 accreditation by April 2027. Upon this accomplishment, over 100 markets will open for Pakistani medicines, marking a significant breakthrough in pharmaceutical exports.
According to Kamal, Pakistan's pharmaceutical exports have witnessed a 38% growth, with current year exports increasing by approximately 8%. Domestically, the country already manufactures around 85% of its required medicines.
Highlighting growing Chinese interest, Kamal noted that 180 Chinese pharmaceutical companies participated in a B2B engagement in Pakistan, leading to agreements and MOUs valued at $350 million. Eleven companies are investing in Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and pharmaceutical raw materials in Pakistan, strengthening local manufacturing and reducing reliance on imports.
Kamal emphasized that such investment and export growth is facilitated by regulatory reforms and international accreditation, requiring active state involvement. As an example, he cited the digital transformation of medical device registration, which has reduced processing time from one-and-a-half to two-and-a-half years to just 20 days. Previously, applicants had to physically submit files and interact with officials, a process that could take years. Under the new system, no human interaction is required, with applicants filling out forms online.