90% of Medicines sold in Pakistan Are Locally Made

Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) announced that 90% of the medicines available in the country are locally produced, reflecting the nation’s growing self-reliance in the pharmaceutical sector. This shift toward indigenous manufacturing marks a strategic move to reduce import dependency, stabilize prices, and improve accessibility.

• 90% of medicines sold in Pakistan are domestically manufactured.

• Local production helps maintain affordable prices and a consistent supply.

• Kistan’s pharma industry is growing, with over 700 local manufacturers.

• Aims to reduce import bills and strengthen the national health infrastructure.

• Experts believe this move could reduce shortages and curb smuggling.

“The majority of essential medicines, including antibiotics, painkillers, and life-saving drugs, are now being produced locally. Pakistan’s pharmaceutical sector has matured significantly in both technology and quality control.”

Minister for National Health Services, Dr. Nadeem Jan, also praised the pharmaceutical sector for its role in enhancing access to affordable healthcare.

The locally produced drugs cover almost all major categories, including:

• Antibiotics (Amoxicillin, Azithromycin)

• Cardiac medications (Atenolol, Losartan)

• Fever and pain relievers (Paracetamol, Ibuprofen)

• Insulin and diabetic drugs

• Psychiatric medications

• Anti-cancer therapies (biosimilars in development)

Pakistan has also begun producing vaccines and biotech products in collaboration with global partners.

Reduces reliance on volatile foreign exchange rates.

Protects consumers from global supply shocks.

Ensures medicine availability even during global crises, such as COVID-19.

Boosts rural and remote healthcare support.

Creates jobs, promotes research, and boosts exports.

Reduces the pharmaceutical import bill, a major chunk of Pakistan’s foreign reserves burden.

Makes the country more self-sufficient in emergencies or geopolitical disruptions.

Curtails counterfeit and smuggled medicines.

Although local production dominates, Pakistan still imports specialized drugs and raw materials, especially for cancer, rare diseases, and organ transplants.

• Pakistan’s annual import bill for medicines is $1.3 billion

• APIs come mainly from China and India

• Advanced biotech and patented medications are mostly imported

By developing local API production, Pakistan could reduce costs by up to 30%, according to industry experts.

“The local pharma industry is not only growing in volume but also in quality. Some local drugs are as effective as imported brands.”

“For specialized therapies like targeted cancer treatments, imports are still crucial. But for primary care, we’re 90% self-sufficient — that’s commendable.”

The fact that 90% of medicines in Pakistan are now locally manufactured is a huge leap toward economic sovereignty and healthcare accessibility. While challenges remain, the country's pharmaceutical journey showcases a model of resilience, growth, and potential.