Arash Mahboubi, a board member of the Tehran Pharmacists Association and a faculty member of Shahid Beheshti University, highlighted Iran’s major advances in the pharmaceutical sector during the live programme, noting the substantial foreign currency savings caused by this self-sufficiency.
Reminiscence of the past, Mahbubi explained at the beginning of the Islamic Revolution that Iran does not have a national pharmaceutical industry, and that most medicines are imported or produced under foreign licenses.
He highlighted that the efforts of young scientists and pharmacy alumni have highlighted over 90% over the past decades, with several reports that up to 98-99% of drugs currently being produced in the country.
Mahboubi highlighted the importance of this achievement in saving billions on foreign exchange. He said 10% of imported medicines account for 18-50% of the sector’s currency costs.
About $3.5 billion was allocated to medicines and equipment last year, but without domestic production, that figure could reach $100-15 billion.
He also emphasized the quality of locally produced medicines and expressed his hope that adherence to international standards under the supervision of food and drug institutions will ensure safe and reliable medicines for the public.
MNA/6604350