Business Recorder: Eli Lilly is a globally renowned company. What are its main operations in Pakistan?
Shehryar Ansari: Eli Lilly is a research-based pharmaceutical company with its headquarters in the USA. The Company has been operational in Pakistan for over forty years. Over the years, Eli Lilly has promoted a diverse set of products from antibiotics to drugs for cancer, depression and diabetes. The Company currently employs almost 300 people in Pakistan and is operational in all cities of the country. Eli Lilly is the leading supplier of Insulin in Pakistan, which meets a critical need for the many patients of diabetes in the country.
BR: What is the market reach of your products? How does the Company ensure smooth supply and distribution of its products in Pakistan?
SA: Eli Lilly Pakistan is present in almost all markets of Pakistan and operates through many distribution channels to ensure smooth supply of its products. This extensive network extends to all parts of the country from Mardan to Bahawalpur to Badin and all other cities.
The supply chain is important to any medicine but for Eli Lilly this is even more critical because many of the products are "cold chain" products requiring constant monitoring of the temperatures in which the products are stored.
The Company has operating procedures and guidelines which meet the strictest quality standards world-wide and ensures that the high product quality is maintained throughout the supply chain.
BR: The health sector in the country is woefully undeserved. What role is Eli Lilly Pakistan playing in helping to provide affordable and quality medical services and medicines to Pakistanis?
SA: Eli Lilly is playing its part in the overall healthcare for Pakistanis by providing affordable medicines to the patients, and working alongside healthcare professionals to educate patients in improving their wellbeing.
The Company has the largest workforce of diabetes educators who work alongside doctors and healthcare professionals to impart knowledge on health matters to patients. This is a free service and is just one of the ways in which Eli Lilly works to improve the lives of patients.
BR: In your opinion, how significant is the establishment of the Drug Regulatory Authority?
SA: The Drug Regulatory Authority Pakistan is not yet in operation but we appreciate the Regulations Ministry for its handling of affairs in the absence of the DRAP. We are very hopeful that the new DRAP will be a body which will take the lead in developing a robust healthcare sector for Pakistan which will lead to a balanced future with both patient interest and the commercial interest being addressed side by side. It will go a long way in combating counterfeit and substandard drugs that pose potential health risks for patients.
BR: What notable corporate social responsibility endeavours has the Company undertaken?
SA: As previously mentioned our Diabetes Educator Program is at the forefront of providing essential education to patients and assistance to doctors. This venture is aimed at improving health consciousness among the people at large so that disease prevention and precautions may be promoted among those at risk or already suffering from diabetes. Besides this Eli Lilly is vigorously engaged with numerous charitable organisations which provide healthcare services to the underprivileged members of society.
BR: Please share the strategic vision and medium to long-term plans of the Company in Pakistan.
SA: Eli Lilly is committed to this country and its people. We are proud to provide the best-in-class medicines at affordable prices. The Company is founded on strong ethical principles to which we adhere vigorously.
We have a long-term commitment here and are mindful of the ever-increasing needs for better healthcare services and quality medication. For this reason, the Company has doubled its staff strength in the country over the past one year from 150 people to about 300 individuals. The human resource is comprised of highly qualified and skilled professionals, hence the Company has generated sound employment opportunities in the country.
Eli Lilly also brought in investment of $7million in 2012 to the country. This investment will support our on-going efforts to provide quality patient care to Pakistanis. Our vision is to continue to maximise our opportunity in Pakistan and to continue to work alongside healthcare professionals and the government to fulfil the unmet healthcare needs of the nation.
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