PM, pharma leaders discuss post-LDC challenges, required steps for the sector

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has held high-level discussions with pharmaceutical sector leaders to evaluate post-LDC graduation challenges and chart a roadmap to safeguard medicine availability while boosting export competitiveness.

At a meeting in the Secretariat today (1 June), representatives of the Bangladesh Association of Pharmaceutical Industries raised key concerns including drug supply stability, Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) production, export capacity, regulatory efficiency, and energy constraints affecting manufacturing.

The discussion also focused on strengthening Bangladesh’s pharmaceutical export capacity and meeting international standards, particularly achieving World Health Organization Maturity Level-3 (ML-3) certification to enhance global competitiveness.

According to participants, the prime minister showed particular concern about whether any disruption in medicine supply could arise after LDC graduation and sought details on required government support to mitigate such risks. 

He also reviewed progress in domestic API production and broader sector readiness.

Industry leaders, including Muhammad Halimuzzaman, CEO of Healthcare Pharmaceuticals, and Abdul Muktadir, managing director of Incepta Pharmaceuticals, sought government support for faster approvals, vaccine and biologics registration, and streamlined export procedures.

Industry leaders also highlighted several operational challenges, including the ongoing energy crisis affecting pharmaceutical manufacturing. 

Muhammad Halimuzzaman, treasurer of the association, said the prime minister emphasised ensuring that the country does not face any medicine shortages after LDC graduation. He added that detailed discussions were held on API production, drug availability, and overall preparedness.

He further noted that Bangladesh currently faces limitations in accessing international markets due to the absence of WHO pre-qualification for vaccines and certain pharmaceutical products, restricting exports largely to niche destinations. 

Abdul Muktadir, president of the association, said the prime minister responded positively to proposals seeking government support for the approval of new vaccines and biologic formulations, simplification of export procedures, and expedited regulatory clearances.

PM Tarique Rahman reportedly issued necessary directives for the swift resolution of related issues, according to industry leaders.

The meeting also underscored the need for compliance with international procurement standards set by bodies such as the Global Fund, Gavi, and UNICEF, as Bangladesh prepares for graduation from the Least Developed Country category.

Industry stakeholders said the prime minister assured that existing procedural complexities would be addressed to support sector growth and preparedness ahead of LDC graduation.