Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, participated in a ceremony recognizing pharmaceutical manufacturing companies. The ceremony was held at the Ministry of Public Health.
In his address, Deputy Prime Minister Mullah Baradar Akhund stated that high-quality medicines are essential for ensuring a healthy society, whereas substandard drugs pose serious risks to public health. He emphasized that all stakeholders in this sector bear a fundamental responsibility to perform their duties with sincerity, commitment, and integrity. He further noted that if domestic pharmaceutical factories produce medicines in accordance with national and international standards, it would not only constitute a significant achievement but also reduce Afghanistan’s dependence on imported drugs and fulfill domestic demand internally.
The Deputy Prime Minister additionally noted that only three pharmaceutical factories are currently receiving Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certificates for their quality and standard production. He described this as a major accomplishment for the responsible leaders of these factories and extended his congratulations to them.
He also highlighted that Afghanistan’s reliance on imported medicines negatively impacts the national economy. He pointed out that such medicines are expensive and contribute to a significant outflow of foreign currency. In response to this challenge, he urged domestic pharmaceutical companies to prioritize both the quality and quantity of medicines in line with national and international standards.
The Deputy Prime Minister assured both domestic and international investors that economic procedures within the institutions of the Islamic Emirate would be further simplified, streamlined, expedited, and shortened. He stated that, in this context, His Excellency the Amir al-Mu’minin has assigned a committee, led by the Directorate of Administrative Affairs, to draft a comprehensive procedural framework. He encouraged all investors to consider investing in the health sector alongside other industries.
In conclusion, Deputy Prime Minister Mullah Baradar Akhund called on all governmental institutions to adhere to the directive of His Highness, the Amir al-Mu’minin by utilizing domestically produced goods, prioritizing standard local medical products, and ensuring that this matter is seriously considered in all procurement processes.
It is noteworthy that today, Snow Pharma, Milli Shifa, and TGL pharmaceutical production companies were awarded internationally recognized GMP certificates for their standardized drug manufacturing. These certificates authorize them to export their products to foreign countries.
