Karachi, October 19, 2024 – The Saman-e-Shifa Foundation (SSF), a non-profit organization, hosted its Annual Conference on “Boosting Medical Devices Development in Pakistan,” marking the third event since 2022. The conference was honored by the presence of Honorable Secretary Health, Sindh, Mr. Rehan Iqbal Baloch, as Chief Guest for the Inaugural Session, and Zubair Motiwala, CEO of TDAP, as Chief Guest for the Pan Pakistan Stakeholders Dialogue and Panel Discussion titled “Medical Device Industry – Potential, Challenges & Opportunities: Import Substitution & Export-led Manufacturing under STZA & EPZA Regime.”
Panel Discussion Highlights Opportunities for Growth
Engr. Naeem Khanani, COO of Easy Health Tech, who represented Pakistan at the recently held MedTech Conference in Toronto, Canada, moderated the panel discussion titled “Medical Device Industry – Potential, Challenges & Opportunities: Import Substitution & Export-led Manufacturing under STZA & EPZA Regime.” This discussion may lead to import substitution of USD 2 billion worth of imports and could enable exports of medical devices, such as surgical instruments, from Pakistan. Notable panelist Zubair Motiwala, CEO of TDAP, inaugurated this discussion following an introduction of the Saman-e-Shifa Foundation by Prof. Dr. Syed Shahid Noor. Dr. Saifuddin Junejo, Chairman of EPZA, informed attendees that EPZ Karachi is the largest EPZ in Pakistan, presenting an opportunity for Pakistan to capture a share of the larger USD 750 billion medical device market.
Key Recommendations for Industry Growth
Industry leaders from HDAP, importers, pharmaceutical and medical device companies, academic representatives, TDAP officials, the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), and other stakeholders participated in various panel discussions to share valuable insights. Amid discussions on local manufacturing challenges, SSF presented several recommendations to the government, advocating for a distinct regulatory framework for medical devices and a reconsideration of recent tax policies that have negatively affected the industry. The recommendations to the government include:
- Separate Regulatory Framework for Medical Devices
Pharmaceuticals and medical devices serve different purposes and require tailored regulatory approaches. SSF urges the government to establish either a separate regulatory authority and framework or Oversight Committee for medical devices to address the industry’s specific needs. - Distinct Manufacturing and Licensing Regulations
SSF calls for specialized regulations for medical device manufacturing and licensing that reflect the unique nature of the industry, moving beyond the one-size-fits-all approach currently used. - Review and Rationalization of Duties and Taxes on Medical Devices
The recent imposition of sales tax on medical devices has impacted local manufacturers’ ability to develop indigenous products. HDAP urges the government to withdraw this tax, enabling manufacturers to innovate and grow. - Formation of a National Medical Device Policy
SSF recommends the creation of a National Medical Device Policy, providing a reference framework for regulators, manufacturers, importers, distributors, and users, thereby promoting transparency and long-term industry development. - Development of Medical Device Parks
SSF and HDAP stressed the development of medical device parks to enjoy STZA or EPZA benefits for importers who have concrete plans for LDI and FDI for import substitution and export-led production of low-cost medical devices for local use. - Collaboration with SSF & HDAP as Strategic Partners
SSF & HDAP offer their expertise to the government as a think tank and strategic partners, helping to shape a self-sustaining and innovative medical device industry in Pakistan. SSF is ready to collaborate with policymakers and industry stakeholders to achieve these objectives.
Supporting Local Manufacturers for Sustainable Growth
Speaking at the event, SSF representatives highlighted the need for a supportive environment for local manufacturers, noting, “By rationalization of duties and taxes on medical device development and production, we can empower the local industry to be competitive and self-reliant.” The session featured dynamic discussions with experts from various sectors, all contributing their vision for a robust medical device manufacturing industry in Pakistan.
About Saman-e-Shifa Foundation (SSF)
Saman-e-Shifa Foundation (SSF) is a non-profit organization registered under Section 42 with SECP. SSF’s ultimate vision is to create an enabling ecosystem for affordable and accessible healthcare for humanity. SSF is led by Prof. Dr. Shahid Noor and other professionals as Honorary Directors, with a commitment to driving healthcare innovation and supporting indigenous industries.
For inquiries or suggestions, please contact:
Saman-e-Shifa Foundation
B-87 MACHS, Karachi 75350 Pakistan
+9221 34302845
+92 300 8290970
SamaneShifa.com
info@SamaneShifa.com
