Export of pharmaceutical and health-related equipment from Pakistan to more than 60 countries has touched $ 37 million mark, whereas national as well as foreign investment in the pharmaceutical sector has surpassed Rs 8 billion mark.

Quoting the latest industry figures in the recently concluded two-day inter-provincial ministerial conference, Pakistan's Federal Health Minister stated that over 60 national pharmaceutical manufacturing units have been certified by ISO for producing standard products, while cases of many more were being processed.

The Health Ministry has prepared a draft for approval of the Federal Cabinet banning sale of substandard drugs and production of fake pharmaceutical products in the country. He adds, "A concerted efforts were needed by the Federal and Provincial governments for eliminating quacks and corrupt elements."

As part of this, a country wide coordinated campaign will be launched against the manufacturing and sale of sub-standard and spurious drugs as the practice is playing havoc with the lives of patients.

There is also move to act against the corrupt drug inspectors planned, as they should be removed and the efficiency of others to be improved to ensure effective monitoring. The Federal Ministry has also directed the government of Balochistan and Punjab to take measures against the factories, which are producing fake drugs.

In the meanwhile, the Federal government is also considering to bring a" Homeopathy Medicine Act" to regulate the production and sale of homeopathic and herbal medicines in the country. The draft has been sent to the Health Minister two weeks earlier and the NIH has built the capacity to evaluate the samples and determine the quality of such medicines before registration. The government opines that this will ensure the quality of the product and boost the export of these medicines to other countries.

However, the government now feel that a prompt legislation was required before the implementation of WTO regime because India may get patent of these medicines after that.

The Health Ministry recently has also proposed a National Health Round Table Task Force to address the issue of health administration. The Task Force will be chaired by Minister for Health Nasir Khan while all four Provincial Ministers will be its member.

The Task Force which has one point agenda "The Health Administrative Structure of Pakistan" will present its report within three months. It will determine the powers of provincial Minister and other institution.

- The Nation & Business Recorder