The present government will encourage the pharmaceutical industry to make the medicines affordable for common man. Minister In-charge, Ministry of Health and Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Ms Sherry Rehman said this in a meeting here Thursday with a delegation of Pharma Bureau led by its chairman Juergen Koening.
The Health Minister, however, emphasised that pharmaceutical products in the market should have uncompromised efficacy, safety and quality. Ms Rehman said, "Shaheed Muhtarma Benazir Bhutto's desire and vision, which is now an integral part of the present government's social sector agenda, is to guarantee that affordable medicines are available to the sick and needy."
The minister highlighted that quality, affordability and accessibility of medicines shall be the main features of drugs policy in the health sector. Health is a high priority sector for us, as we believe that the welfare of the people flows from investing in the health of the people, she added.
The delegation informed the minister that Pharma Bureau is an association of 23 multinational pharmaceutical companies and have about 50 percent market shares in the Pharma market which is about Rs 87 billion at the moment. Secretary Health Khushnood Lashari, Director General (Health) Major General Shahida Malik (Retd) and senior officers of the Ministry of Health also attended the meeting.
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