The Ministry of Health has instructed the country’s pharmaceutical industry to explore alternative sources for importing raw materials to ensure uninterrupted medicine supply amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East and global uncertainties.
The directive was issued as part of precautionary measures to prevent disruptions in drug production due to potential supply chain shocks triggered by geopolitical instability, according to officials concerned.
The government has particularly urged the Bangladesh Association of Pharmaceutical Industries to reduce overreliance on a single region, especially China and India, for importing Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), and instead identify other potential sourcing countries.
The decision came at an emergency meeting titled “Preparedness for potential health risks due to the ongoing war in the Middle East,” held at the health ministry today (28 March). The meeting was chaired by Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain.
Officials at the meeting noted that the conflict in the Middle East could disrupt global supply chains, posing risks to the country’s pharmaceutical production and distribution systems.
In this context, stakeholders were asked to take immediate and effective measures, including identifying alternative sources for API imports, as part of advanced preparedness to face any potential crisis.
The pharmaceutical industry body has also been requested to regularly update the Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA) on the progress of steps taken in this regard.
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