PESHAWAR: The Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Health, Syed Qasim Ali Shah, on Thursday reached an agreement to form a joint committee aimed at addressing the challenges faced by the pharmaceutical sector in the region.
The committee, comprising two members from the SCCI and senior officials from the provincial health department, will develop strategies to address the issues at both provincial and central levels.
This collaborative effort was announced during a meeting at the SCCI headquarters, attended by prominent business leaders and officials. The joint committee will focus on promoting the pharmaceutical industry and resolving ongoing challenges that hinder its growth.
SCCI President Fuad Ishaq highlighted the exponential growth of the pharma industries despite significant challenges. He emphasized the need for government-led initiatives to tackle these issues proactively.
Ishaq also pointed out the potential of medical tourism in boosting regional trade and stressed the importance of addressing sector-specific issues promptly.
The committee is expected to ensure representation of the chamber in the provincial quality control board and the Board of Governors of the MTIs Hospitals in Peshawar. It will also advocate for the enforcement of section 34 of the DRAP Act and aim to make the DRAP local office fully functional.
During the meeting, various demands and proposals were presented, including auditing the central research fund, achieving system uniformity, and extending the license period for medical businesses from two to five years. These proposals aim to streamline processes and reduce barriers in the sale, supply chain, and import of medical equipment.
Health Minister Qasim Ali Shah responded to these inputs by affirming the government’s commitment to enhancing healthcare facilities and supporting the local pharma industry. He assured that effective measures would be taken to resolve the issues raised by the business community.
