M. Waqar Bhatti
Islamabad: In response to an urgent request from federal health authorities, Pakistan’s pharmaceutical industry arranged life-saving medicines worth Rs. 10 million overnight for the besieged people of Kurram Agency, particularly Parachinar. These medicines were dispatched in an official helicopter to the conflict-hit area, officials confirmed on Thursday.
Parachinar, the largest city in Kurram Agency faced a severe health crisis due to prolonged road closures, extreme weather, and tribal conflicts, federal health ministry officials said, adding that with critical supply routes blocked, the region’s hospitals and clinics faced acute shortages of life-saving medicines, leaving residents in dire need of medical assistance.
The harsh winter conditions have further exacerbated the situation, as access to healthcare services remains severely restricted, they said adding that this intervention by Pakistan’s pharmaceutical industry provided much-needed relief to the embattled population, offering hope amidst adversity.
“This intervention by Pakistan’s pharmaceutical industry provided much-needed relief to the embattled population, offering hope amidst adversity,” Special Secretary Health Mirza Nasiruddin Mashood Ahmad said.
“On the request of DRAP and NHSRC, we arranged medicines worth Rs. 10 million, mostly from Bio-Labs, which were dispatched to Parachinar in an official helicopter,” said Usman Shaukat, Chief Executive Officer of Bio-Labs and President of the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI).
Usman Shaukat, an active member of PPMA, highlighted that the pharmaceutical industry has always been at the forefront of humanitarian efforts during crises. “PPMA has consistently demonstrated its commitment to serving humanity, whether during earthquakes, floods, or conflicts. In recent years, we also donated medicines worth millions to Afghanistan,” he added.
Acknowledging the contribution of the local pharmaceutical industry, Special Secretary Health Mirza Nasiruddin Mashood Ahmad wrote separate letters to Tauqeer-ul-Haq, Chairman of the Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PPMA), and Bio-Labs Pharmaceutical Company, expressing heartfelt gratitude for their invaluable support in addressing the acute shortage of life-saving medicines in Kurram Agency, particularly Parachinar.
“Your proactive efforts and commitment to providing essential medical supplies to strife-affected areas during these challenging times have been instrumental in alleviating the suffering of countless individuals. Such acts of compassion and responsibility reflect the highest ideals of public service and corporate social responsibility,” stated Special Secretary Health Mirza Nasiruddin Mashood Ahmad in his letter to PPMA Chairman Tauqeer-ul-Haq.
The Ministry praised PPMA’s role in ensuring the availability of critical medical supplies in a region severely impacted by tribal and sectarian clashes, which had rendered it inaccessible.
“The Ministry deeply values your collaboration and looks forward to strengthening this partnership to ensure the continued availability of critical healthcare resources across the country. Together, we can reaffirm our collective resolve to overcome these challenges and work toward a healthier and more equitable future,” added the Special Secretary.
In a separate letter of appreciation addressed to Bio-Labs Pharmaceutical Company, the Ministry acknowledged the significant role of the company, which contributed a major share of the Rs. 10 million worth of medicines dispatched to the conflict-hit area.
“The efforts of Bio-Labs in promptly arranging life-saving medicines during a critical time of need are highly commendable,” remarked Mirza Nasiruddin Mashood Ahmad. He further acknowledged the leadership of Usman Shaukat, CEO of Bio-Labs, for his commitment to serving humanity through his active role in the PPMA and other philanthropic initiatives.
PPMA Central Chairman Tauqeer-ul-Haq emphasized the pharmaceutical industry’s longstanding tradition of supporting the nation in times of need. “Whenever the country required us, PPMA has stood firm, contributing medicines worth billions of rupees during natural disasters and emergencies,” he stated.
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