Lahore: Despite numerous challenges being faced by the pharmaceutical industry, the Punjab province contributes 60 per cent of output in the country, an official has said.
Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Association (PPMA) Punjab chairman Haseeb Khan called for the setting up of tax-free zones not only in the Punjab province but also in the entire country so that investors could be attracted to the sector.
Pointing out the challenges facing the industry in the province, he said that amendments to the Drug Act 76 by the previous government, establishment of a task force, imposition of taxes on imports of raw materials for medicines, establishment of provincial drug regulatory authority and inspection of pharma units were some of the big hurdles in developing and promoting the pharmaceutical industry in the province. He said that different laws in different provinces also hit provincial harmony as well.
