CCL Pharmaceuticals were the proud platinum sponsors for the 5th Pakistan Pharma Summit which took place in Islamabad on 19th February. The theme of this year’s Summit was “Mastering Innate Strengths and Acquiring New Capabilities” & was attended by renowned pharmaceutical companies & professionals from all over Pakistan including Dr. Zafar Mirza, State Minister for National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination, Asim Rauf, Chief Executive DRAP & Adviser to Prime Minister on Commerce Abdul Razak Dawood among many others. CCL Pharmaceuticals were represented by Dr. Shahzad Khan, MD & CEO and Dr. Rizwan Mahmood, Director Quality Operations.
Talking about the government’s efforts in aiding the growth of the pharmaceutical industry, Abdul Razak Dawood said that the government intends “to increase pharma exports up to $5 billion”. “Special focus is being laid on increasing the [pharma] export volume through tariff rationalization, trade-related investment, institutional reforms and easing of business regulations,” the adviser said while addressing the Summit. Also bringing to attention the fact that new sectors including pharmaceuticals are important for enhancing the exports of Pakistan.
Speaking on the occasion, Adviser to PM on National Health Dr Zafar Mirza said that the government has already completed its work on the ‘National Medicine Policy’ which would be announced within the next two weeks. The adviser reiterated the government was committed to reforming the pharma sector and that all bottlenecks were being removed in this regard.
Dr. Shahzad Khan, MD & CEO, CCL Pharmaceuticals delivered a speech on “Increasing Exports and Patient Access through Strategic Alliances” in which he talked about how ‘access to medicine is one of the basic rights of any society & the pharma industry is one that is responsible for that.’ He talked about how there should be a balance between all stakeholders and their relationship with the pharma company. The Summit was a learning experience for all stakeholders that were in attendance & paved a path for the growth of this sector in Pakistan.
