OUT of the nine million pregnancies reported annually in Pakistan, a staggering fifty percent are unwanted. According to the 7th population and housing census, the country’s population has been recorded at 241.49 million with a growth rate of 2.55 percent. This is really a worrying situation for a country like us which is faced with dire economic challenges and cannot afford further burden on its existing infrastructure be it related to health, education or others. These alarming statistics underscore the dire need to address issues related to family planning and access to contraceptives.
President Alvi’s call for local manufacturing of Intrauterine Devices (IUDs) also known as contraceptive devices at the medhealth expo and summit organized by Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) in the federal capital, echoes the urgency of the situation. By producing contraceptives domestically, Pakistan cannot only ensure their better availability but also contribute to mitigating the population growth. The localization of contraceptive device manufacturing holds several key advantages. While reducing dependency on foreign imports, this will ensure a steady supply of these essential healthcare products. This can significantly lower costs and increase accessibility, especially for the under-served communities.
President Alvi’s recognition of Africa as a promising market for pharmaceutical exports shines a spotlight on the vast potential of Pakistan’s pharma industry. With a population exceeding a billion, the African Continent offers a substantial consumer base for pharmaceutical products, including contraceptives. By strategically positioning itself as a reliable supplier of high-quality medicines and healthcare products, our pharma exports can flourish. The country’s pharmaceutical industry, during the last fiscal year posted exports of $713 million. In our view the industry is a low hanging fruit and by exploiting its potential we can significantly enhance our exports. According to a report launched a few years back, exports of the pharmaceutical sector could hit five billion dollars in a matter of few years but this indeed would require the support and facilitation on the part of government. All the relevant stakeholders need to sit together and develop a policy that caters to this industry’s growth as well as patient interest.
