The pharmaceutical companies have opposed the devolution of the ministry of health to provinces as they are unsure who will regulate the highly profitable industry. "One of the biggest challenges that the pharmaceutical industry is currently facing is the health ministry's proposed transfer to provinces," said Chairman Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PPMA), Haroon Qasim.
"There is a danger in this exercise as every province has different standard. If you want the same standards of medicines across the country then the health ministry should remain federal subject." Haroon further said that since every province would be setting its own standards, it would affect the quality of local medicines as well as that are being exported."
Pakistan Pharmaceutical manufacturers Association is holding the 1st Pakistan Pharma Summit that on June 14 & 15, 2011 at a local hotel. Professor Dr Atta-ur-Rahman, UNESCO Science Laureate/Co-ordinator General, COMSTECH/ President, Pakistan Academy of Sciences will also attend the summit.