MINSK, 14 October (BelTA) – Pharmaceutical production reached Br2.5 billion in 2024 and is projected to surpass Br3 billion in 2026, Deputy Healthcare Minister Aleksandr Starovoitov told journalists, BelTA reports.
“In 2024, the output of pharmaceutical products in our country was estimated at nearly Br2.5 billion. We plan to further increase the output of medicines,” Aleksandr Starovoitov said, specifying that production is expected to surpass Br3 billion next year.
According to the Healthcare Ministry, over the past five years, more than 390 names of in-demand medicines have been developed and commercialized in Belarus. This portfolio includes the first domestically produced inhalation solution for chronic lung diseases, alongside medications for diabetes, heart diseases, acne, and many other conditions.
The industry is currently represented by 40 state-owned and private enterprises.
“Belarus is probably the only country in the post-Soviet space that has preserved state-run pharmaceutical production,” noted Aleksandr Starovoitov. “The head of state supported this decision, and today eight state-owned pharmaceutical enterprises in the Republic of Belarus produce a significant portion of the medications we use.”
All production sites are certified for compliance with national Good Pharmacy Practice (GPP) requirements. The sector holds 50 Belarusian GMP certificates and 48 certificates of compliance with the GMP rules of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).
The quality and competitive pricing of Belarusian pharmaceuticals also bolster a strong export position. Pharmaceutical exports reached $206 million in 2024, with plans to exceed that figure this year. Belarusian medications are sold in 30 countries worldwide, with ongoing efforts to develop new markets.
To further develop the industry, a list of 17 investment projects has been compiled for implementation over the next five years, with total planned investments of approximately Br1 billion.
“We are also working on localizing in-demand medicines from other companies, including those from Switzerland, the Russian Federation, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the People’s Republic of China, Cuba, and many others,” said the deputy minister.
In recent years, Belarusian medicines have accounted for about 50% of the domestic market in value terms, which is one of the highest figures among neighboring countries.
“The availability of medicines for the population and healthcare institutions is better reflected by supply volumes in physical terms,” Aleksandr Starovoitov explained. “In conventional units, Belarusian medicines account for 65% in the pharmacy network and over 80% in the hospital sector. This means that almost all of us are treated with Belarusian medicines.”
He attributed the significant difference between value and volume share to the fact that domestically produced medications, despite their high quality, are significantly cheaper: on average, almost three times less expensive than imported analogues.
“The stable operation of pharmaceutical organizations is currently ensured, aimed primarily at meeting the needs of domestic healthcare sector, as well as increasing the export potential of pharmaceutical products,” the deputy minister emphasized.
He added that state-owned pharmaceutical companies employ approximately 7,000 people, while the private sector employs another 6,000.
Photos by Tatiana Matusevich
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