PAKISTAN The Pakistani pharmaceutical market remains beset with difficulties. Strict government control over pricing has made many drugs uneconomical, with the result that they either become available only on the black market at inflated prices, or disappear completely. In this environment, manufacturers, both local and foreign-owned, have proved unable to generate the profits needed for capital investment. This is not helped by a regulatory system best described as rudimentary. There is virtually no public drug reimbursement or IP protection; patent law was officially tightened in December 2000, although the effectiveness of this has been questioned. In 2002, further changes were made, making Pakistan's IP laws even weaker. Drug prices are officially controlled, although the government lacks the capacity to enforce its policies in this area. Some price rises have been allowed since 2000, but the current government shows little sign of enacting any serious reform of the pharmaceutical sector, preferring to allege profiteering on the part of the pharmaceutical industry.
BANGLADESH Given the country's lack of spending power, the pharmaceutical market, at US$682 million, remains tiny in comparison with the size of the population. Pharmaceutical spending is amongst the lowest in the world in per capita terms. Steadily improving economic performance, combined with a general determination to boost the quality of healthcare, should lead to steady, if unspectacular, market growth, although the nation is currently in the grips of political turmoil. A military-backed interim government, in power since October 2006 has been forced to declare a state of emergency and in April 2007, two prominent political figures and former leaders were exiled. Elections are expected to take place by the end of 2008, in the meantime the army is considering initiating martial law.
An increase in investment in Bangladesh by multinational pharmaceutical manufacturers is anticipated to stimulate the sector. The revised National Drug Policy was introduced in 2005 with the hope of attracting foreign multinational investment and revitalising the health sector in the long term. In addition the continually improving performance of Beximco, the leading domestic manufacturer, offers encouraging signs for the future. In 2005 the company was listed on the London Stock Exchange and hopes to move into the lucrative Western markets. Bangladesh pharmaceutical exports are expected to increase by 20%-25% by the end of 2008. The market is dominated by cheap, locally produced generic drugs used for the treatment or prevention of basic illnesses and conditions.
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FOR EVERY MARKET, SENT QUARTERLY MARKET OUTLOOK FOR EVERY MARKET, SENT ANNUALLY BACKGROUND DATA HEALTHCARE SYSTEM ACCESSING THE PHARMA MARKET CONTACT DETAILSSource: Espicom Business Intelligence Ltd