Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 14
By Khalid Kazimov - Trend:
Iran's Minister of Health Seyyed Hassan Hashemi unveiling 12 new drugs for MS, cancer, and diabetes said that Iran expects to have exported over $500 million worth of drugs by the end of the 11th administration term (second half of 2017), Fars news agency reported on Feb. 14.
"Today 12 drugs in 20 forms were introduced by 8 pharmaceutical companies, something that befits our nation in order to surpass scientific boundaries," he said.
He said that the 11th administration launched a council on technology, which helped stabilize the prices for 60 percent of drugs in the country's market.
"Supporting science-based companies and relegating parts of our authorities are also measures taken by the council to improve the situations," he said.
The Health Ministry has aimed at increasing the export to $500 million in 3 years and $1,500 in 10 years, he said, maintaining that the Foreign Ministry, Central Bank, Ministry of Economy, and other governmental organizations have engaged in close cooperation with the Health Ministry to support the cause.
Iranian Food and Drug Organization Director Rasoul Dinarvand announced Jan. 27 that the country's drug export had hit $150 million.
In recent years, international sanctions have made it difficult for Iran to acquire drugs from abroad.
Thus, the country has tapped its domestic know-how to meet the shortage.
Iranian authorities have often said they welcome the situation as a chance for self-realization.
President of the Association of Pharmaceutical Importers of Iran Naser Riahi said Feb. 13 that Iran imports $1 billion worth of drugs every year.