In a significant development for Pakistan’s healthcare and pharmaceutical landscape, the Ministry of Health has confirmed that five major multinational drug manufacturers have wrapped up or divested their local production operations over the past three years.
Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal, while briefing the National Assembly on Friday, stated that Bayer, ICI Pakistan, Sanofi-Aventis, Pfizer, and Novartis have all transferred their manufacturing units to local companies. According to the minister, production has not come to a halt, as the facilities continue functioning under new ownership to avoid any interruption in the supply of essential medicines.
The minister characterized the move as a “strategic realignment” by the multinational companies rather than a complete shutdown of their production lines. The divestments include:
Bayer’s manufacturing unit in Lahore
ICI Pakistan’s facilities across multiple cities
Sanofi’s industrial plant in Korangi
Pfizer’s site located in Karachi’s S.I.T.E. area
Novartis’ West Wharf operations
However, the National Assembly was not provided with details regarding why these companies opted to exit local manufacturing.
