Joint Venture to Reduce Import Reliance and Boost Pharma Sector
Pakistan is set to locally manufacture insulin for the first time through a strategic collaboration with Russia, marking a major step towards self-sufficiency in essential medicines and lowering dependency on expensive imports.
The initiative was discussed in detail during a meeting chaired by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Finance Haroon Akhtar at the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) on Thursday.
Calling the project a “foundation of a new era”, Akhtar emphasized that the agreement with Russia involves full-scale technology transfer, laying the groundwork for long-term scientific and business cooperation between the two countries.
Phased Rollout, Investment, and Regulatory Oversight
The insulin production project will be rolled out in phases, with full-scale bulk manufacturing expected within three years. Officials confirmed that Pakistani pharmaceutical companies will be tasked with adhering to strict regulatory standards to maintain product quality and ensure project sustainability.
Akhtar highlighted the significance of the initiative, stating,
“This project will not only enhance access to life-saving insulin for millions of diabetic patients, but also foster innovation and investment in Pakistan’s pharmaceutical landscape.”
The collaboration is also expected to stimulate local job creation, strengthen healthcare access, and expand research and development in the medical sector.
Officials noted that the technology-sharing model will empower local scientists and manufacturers, enabling Pakistan to scale up its production capacity and reduce its pharmaceutical import bill over time.
