MINSK, 26 January (BelTA) – Belarusian pharmaceutical manufactures need to achieve the parity in terms of supplies to foreign markets and domestic sales, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko said as he visited the pharmaceutical company Minskintercaps on 26 January, BelTA has learned.
“We need to achieve a 50/50 ratio and also make sure that the domestic market is growing,” the Belarusian leader said.
As the head of state was reported, Belarus exported medicines worth about $150 million last year. According to preliminary estimates, last year's pharmaceutical output amounted to Br1 billion, which is equivalent of more than $500 million.
Alexander Lukashenko drew special attention to the pricing of medicines, stressing that the prices for these products should be adequate and not overinflated. There is a need to continue to work actively with manufacturers and suppliers, to try to eliminate the involvement of intermediary structures of various kinds. “I would like you to keep track of prices on your own, not only on the instruction of the president. We will sort these things out soon. This is not good when the special services are asked to deal with prices,” the head of state noted.
The president also inquired about the production of domestic medicines, the operation of this sector in general, the existing procedure for the procurement of foreign medicines, and the current competitive environment. Alexander Lukashenko was reported in detail on the operation of Belpharmprom Holding Company and its subsidiaries.
The head of state was also briefed on the progress in carrying out the instructions to develop the pharmaceutical industry and supply the domestic market with Belarusian-made medicines. During the visit, he discussed the implementation of investment projects to modernize Belarus' pharmaceutical industry, including at Minskintercaps company, the financial and economic state and development prospects for this sector.
The president learned more about brand new medicines made at domestic companies, visited the manufacturing areas of Minskintercaps and medicine quality control laboratories.
Over Br1 billion worth of pharmaceutical products were made in Belarus in 2017, up 3.8 times in actual prices versus 2012 (or up 1.7 times in US dollar terms).
The Belarusian Healthcare Ministry is busy modernizing and upgrading the technical capabilities of pharmaceutical companies and setting up new ventures to produce import-substituting medicines.
As many as 776 new pharmaceuticals were registered and entered production in Belarus in 2012-2017. The Belarusian companies completed 30 projects worth a total of $250 million (including $56 million in FDI on a net basis). The domestic pharmaceutical companies are active players on foreign markets, too.
The implementation of investment and innovation projects has helped the country develop a new highly profitable pharmaceutical industry that meets the international standards of good industrial practices. Belarus has secured drug safety and import substitution at the level of more than 50% of the market in value terms. Domestic medicines used in healthcare organizations account for more than 70% in value terms and more than 80% in packaging.
Over 1,500 trade names of Belarusian medications have been registered so far. They are used to treat almost all major diseases, including cancers, diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, and tuberculosis.
Over 40% of domestic drugs are sold domestically at the selling price of less than Br2. A total of 21.8% of medications are sold domestically at the price of Br2 to Br4, and 21.9% of medicines - at Br4 to Br10. Pharmacies offer a wide range of quality pharmaceutical products.
Among the primary tasks of the national pharmaceutical sector is to increase the manufacturing of innovative products, raise exports, improve its competitive ability and investment attractiveness.
Over the past 22 years the pharmaceutical company Minskintercaps has developed into a big player on the pharmaceutical market of Belarus. The company has created its brand and developed an image of a reliable and high-quality manufacturer.
