ISLAMABAD : March 14, 2023: Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar chaired a meeting of the Committee constituted by the Prime Minister on Pharmaceutical Industry’s issues, at Finance Division today.
Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination Mr. Abdul Qadir Patel, SAPM on Finance Mr. Tariq Bajwa, SAPM on Revenue Mr. Tariq Mehmood Pasha, SAPM on Government Effectiveness Dr. Muhammad Jehanzeb Khan, Advisor to the PM on Establishment Mr. Ahad Khan Cheema, Chairman FBR and senior, CEO DRAP and senior officers attended the meeting.
While delegation of Pharma industry included Syed Farooq Bukhari, Chairman PPMA, CEO GSK Ms. Erum Shakir Rahim, CEO Ferozsons Mr. Osman Waheed, MD Abbott Mr. Anis Ahmed, CEO Sante Mr. Tauqeer ul Haq,Mr. Zahid Saeed former Chairman PPMA, Mr. Hamid Raza former chairman PPMA, MR. Shahzad Akram, Vice President FPCCI, ED Pharma Bureau Ms. Ayesha Tammy Haq and others.
The Chair was briefed about the contribution of the Pharmaceutical industry in the economic development of the country. The Chairman PPMA appreciated the decision of the government on resolving the issues of LCs and fixing the price of paracetamol drug. He further sought support of the government for addressing their issues related to price adjustment of drugs affected due to devaluation of Pak rupee.
Finance Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar acknowledged the contribution of pharmaceutical industry and stressed that the present government is committed to resolve the operational issues being faced by various sectors of the economy.
Referring the vision of the Prime Minister not to burden the common man, the Finance Minister emphasized that the government is determined and working hard to address the issues of common man in spite of various economic challenges.
The Finance Minister expressed commitment of the government to provide essential drugs on affordable prices to common man which is their basic right, assured the Pharma delegation to address their issues at earliest.
The Finance Minister directed the relevant authorities to undertake the required measures for addressing the concerns of Pharmaceutical industry within the existing structure.