Pakistani Medical Device industry poised to cut $2 billion import bill, says TDAP CEO

In a significant address at the 3rd annual “Boosting Medical Devices” conference on October 21, 2023, Zubair Motiwala, CEO of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), highlighted the country’s potential to reduce its health sector import bill by $2 billion over the next five years. This ambition aligns with the growing advancements in local manufacturing of medical devices and equipment.

Speaking at the event held at the Expo Center in Karachi, Motiwala emphasized that Pakistani companies have made remarkable strides in developing surgical items and pharmaceuticals. He stated, “Pakistani companies had established export networks worldwide for surgical items and pharmaceutical products, and the exports of medical devices and equipment could also be enhanced to different countries with the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders.”

Motiwala noted that manufacturing medical devices is a sophisticated specialty, requiring rigorous testing and standardization before products can enter the international market. He reiterated the need for Pakistan to localize its health sector to boost exports while substituting imports gradually. “TDAP is exploring all potential sectors to increase the country’s exports, and it must support the health sector in working on its localization,” he added.

Dr. Syed Shahid Noor, Chairman of the Samane Shifa Foundation, expressed confidence in Pakistan’s capabilities, stating, “Pakistan is capable of producing nuclear technology and military aircraft, and it has now developed medical devices for local hospitals to ensure affordable health treatment.” He highlighted that more than ten medical devices, including ventilators and cardiac stimulators, have already been produced locally, with over 20 additional devices in development.

The global market for medical devices and equipment is estimated to reach Rs. 1 trillion. Dr. Noor suggested that even capturing 1% of this market could significantly bolster Pakistan’s economy. He urged the government to introduce comprehensive policies to incentivize the sector and reduce the current account deficit, emphasizing the need for reduced or waived duties on raw materials.

Dr. Saif-ur-Rahman Khattak, Director of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), addressed regulatory challenges faced by manufacturers. He pointed out that the manufacturing of medical devices intersects both the pharmaceutical sector and the Ministry of Science and Technology, complicating approval processes. He acknowledged DRAP’s commitment to facilitating manufacturers but noted that capacity issues must be resolved collaboratively.

Syed Omar Ahmed, Chairman of the Healthcare Devices Association of Pakistan (HDAP), remarked on the potential of medical device importers as future manufacturers due to their established distribution networks. He called for government policies that create a level playing field to attract both foreign and local investments. Ahmed noted that while 98% of medical devices in Pakistan are imported, the government needs to rationalize the tax mechanisms to support local manufacturers.

The conference was part of the 21st edition of Health Asia, which ran from October 17 to 19 and featured over 500 exhibitors, including international delegates, with nearly 60,000 visitors attending. More than 20 conferences and seminars were held during the three-day event, emphasizing the growing interest and investment in the medical device sector in Pakistan.

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