Bangladesh's pharmaceutical industry is strengthening its presence in the global market, with locally manufactured medicines now being exported to more than 140 countries, Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain has said.
Speaking to journalists at the Health Ministry's conference room at the Bangladesh Secretariat on Monday, the minister said the growing export footprint reflected significant progress in the country's healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors.
“The export of medicines to over 140 countries reflects a significant advancement in the country’s healthcare and pharmaceutical capabilities,” he said.
Sakhawat Hossain said Bangladesh's pharmaceutical exports were expected to expand further once the country achieved self-sufficiency in vaccine production.
Reflecting on the development of the health sector, he said previous governments had made insufficient progress in the production and supply of medical equipment and vaccines.
“There were shortages even in essential medical products such as ventilators and syringes. However, the country was able to overcome health-related challenges later with support from the private sector,” he said.
Addressing the dengue situation, the minister said the Bangladesh Association of Pharmaceutical Industries (BAPI) had donated 100,000 units of intravenous (IV) saline to support the treatment of dengue patients.
He said the Central Medical Store currently holds a stock of 100,000 units of saline, while an additional 20,000 to 25,000 units are available at upazila-level health facilities across the country.
“We are prepared to ensure additional supplies if demand increases,” he said.
The minister also commented on the recent child deaths at Ad-din Hospital, saying the authorities had been given an additional two days to respond to a government-issued show-cause notice.
“If the authorities fail to provide a satisfactory response within the stipulated time, further legal action will be taken,” he said.
State Minister for Health Dr M A Muhit said the government had taken advance measures ahead of the dengue season and was implementing a range of initiatives to reduce infection rates.
He said the health sector remained fully prepared to provide prompt treatment to dengue patients.
“All stakeholders must work together to strengthen the public health system. Coordinated initiatives are being undertaken to control dengue and further improve the country’s healthcare sector,” he added.
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