Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 17 No.

04 October’18

Editorial
Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Industry: Perspective and the Prospects
Islam S1, Rahman A2, Al-Mahmood AK3

Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 17 No. 04 October’18. Page : 519-525

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v17i4.38306

Introduction US-FDA approvals.

Propelled by the better health and education, lower At present, there are 5 types of medicine
vulnerability and an economic boom, Bangladesh, manufacturing companies in the country. In a recent
based on a rigorous methodology using a wide Jatiya Sangshad session, Mr. Mohammed Nasim, the
range of sustainable development indicators, the Honorable Health Minister of the People’s Republic
largest Least Developed Country (LDC) in terms of of Bangladesh said, “Local producers are meeting
population and economic size, looks likely to leave 98% of the country’s demand for medicines, and
the LDC category by the year 20241. there are 851 factories functioning in Bangladesh
There are a good number of sectors in Bangladesh on for the production of medicines. Of them, 266 are
which we feel much proud of, and undoubtedly the producing allopathic drugs, 26 are producing Uunani
pharmaceutical sector is one of these best sectors. It is medicine, 207 Ayurvedic, 79 homeopathic and 32
one of Bangladesh’s most success stories and one of herbal medicines.4, 7-9”
the most technologically advanced dynamic sectors Many smaller companies are on the verge of entering
currently in existence. This industry is a matter of highly regulated overseas markets. Bearing in mind
substantial pride to the country. Skillful attitudes, its’ successful past endeavors, the industry has the
knowledge and innovative ideas from the Pharma ability to establish itself in rigorous/mass exportation.
Professionals are the key factors why this industry “Bangladesh has seen the broad-based gains
grew in the way it did. Imports are restricted by the in health, education, infant mortality and life
Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh expectancy,” said Daniel Gay, LDC expert in UN
for locally manufactured drugs giving the industry DESA’s Development Policy and Analysis Division.
protection from external competition. Drug Policy “These have in turn driven economic growth, and
1982 played a pivotal role in developing country’s latterly reduced economic vulnerability, so it’s really
own pharmaceutical industries2. a success story.1”
The success story of the Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Since Bangladeshi products are quality and cost-
Sector is very pleasant. It had to travel a long way to effective and there is a huge demand for medicine in
achieve the present prestigious position in domestic the global market. We could have exported more but
and international markets. By now, 97% of country’s the export process is complex and time consuming.
demand of medicines is produced locally mainly The government should make the process easier.
by national pharmaceutical companies3-6. The In this regard, Mr. Tofail Ahmed, the Honorable
pharmaceutical sector of Bangladesh is expanding Minister of Commerce of the Government of the
rapidly and some companies have already certified People’s Republic of Bangladesh opined that “The
by different international regulatory authorities like Pharma sector is exporting high quality medicine
UK-MHRA, Australia-TGA, EU, etc. for quality after meeting local demands. He also added, we are
management and quality products manufacturing. now exporting to more than 127 countries after
Moreover, few companies are on the road to achieve meeting 98% of the local demand, and Bangladesh

1. Sharmin Islam, Associate Professor, Eastern University, Bangladesh, email:[email protected]

2. Aminur Rahman, Former Manager, icddr-Bangladesh, email:[email protected]
3. Abu Kholdun Al-Mahmood, Professor, Dept of Biochemistry, Ibn Sina Medical College

Correspondence to: Dr. Sharmin Islam, Associate Professor, Eastern University, Bangladesh, email:
[email protected]

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is the largest producer of formulated drugs among dosage forms, to 79 countries. Along with regular
the Least Developed Countries.4” forms like tablets, capsules and syrups, Bangladesh
Pharmaceutical export is contributing a lot to the also exports specialized products like HFA inhalers,
GDP of the country and every year this contribution CFC inhalers, suppositories, nasal sprays, injectables,
is positively growing up. In the meantime, Pharma IV infusions etc. These products have been well
sector has become the 2nd largest potential sector in accepted by medical practitioners, chemists,
Bangladesh to earn foreign currency and contributor patients and the regulatory bodies of all of their
to the national exchequer. At present, about 30 importing nations. The packaging and presentation
pharmaceutical companies have started their export of the products of Bangladesh are comparable to any
activities. international standard.
According to industry experts, market size of
pharmaceuticals may reach about BDT 330,000
million by 2024. The scenario of pharmaceutical
industries of Bangladesh has been pin pointed
along with an analysis of its’ future prospects and
challenges. A recent BMI Research (Business
Monitor International is a research firm that provides
macroeconomic, industry and financial market
analysis founded-1984) suggests, Bangladesh’s
pharmaceutical market will continue to post
relatively the high growth rates in 2017, an estimated
+11.1% in local currency terms and +8.1% in US Pharmaceutical Industrial Research &
dollar terms from BDT 190 billion (USD 2.4 billion) Development (R&D)
in 2016 to BDT 211 billion (USD 2.6 billion) in Research is a very critical thrust discipline in
2017. By the year 2020, the market is estimated Pharmaceutical Industry because it is foundation
to be USD 3.37 billion (approximately)5. As per upon which the industrialists’ strategy to introduce
Bangladesh Drugs (Control) Ordinance, 1982 no new products and delivering quality products to
foreign company could transfer technology to a local customers’ stand. Some Pharmaceutical companies
manufacturer unless they have their own set up in have built up sophisticated R&D facility equipped
this country. Moreover, after the amendments of with state-of-the-art equipment and facilities
the Drugs (Control) Ordinance in 2006, now there with a highly experienced multidisciplinary and
is no restriction to produce any drug under mutual experienced world class team. The objective of R&D
agreement with any pharma companies of the world. strength has to develop new drug delivery system
These are very timely and appropriate actions and various dosage forms including packaging and
undertaken by the government to check misspells as marketing.
well as misuse of powers. We haven’t at all any doubt for the pharmaceutical
Pharmaceutical Products Available in the Market industry to aggressively promote products on which
Bangladesh’s Pharmaceutical Industry in is a sector huge amounts of money have been invested at the
of the most challenging developed and golden developmental phase. The rigorous testing applied
mining technology. Manufacturers produce the most to modern pharmaceuticals has little parallel in
sensitive drugs such as Insulin, hormones, Cancer, other industries. Unlike most other products,
and Vaccines, protecting against 20 bacterial and pharmaceuticals have the potential to not only
viral diseases, including Pertussis, Diphtheria, improve health but also to cause harm. As such the
Typhoid fever, Poliomyelitis, Influenza and Mumps, ethics of promotional activities in the marketing,
Rabies vaccine, Hepatitis B vaccine, and Tetanus research & development and then promotion in
vaccine. The industry also exports medicines to the all sectors of pharmaceuticals has to be clearly
global markets, including Europe. Pharmaceutical identified and should be addressed perfectly. It
companies are expanding their business with the aim should not influence doctors’ autonomy in making
to expand the export market. decision although that has been previously showed to
The Industry exports active pharmaceutical be insidiously influenced. Successful pharmaceutical
ingredients (APIs) and a wide range of pharmaceutical companies realize that they must do more than just
products, covering all major therapeutic classes and

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make attractive products. More often than not the educational purpose of the meeting. The cost
‘packaging of a product’ is more important than the should not exceed that level which recipients might
product itself. To this end, promotional strategies are reasonably be expected to incur for themselves under
used to develop persuasive communication linkages similar circumstances. Sponsors of such activities
between the company and its markets. must be prepared to accept that not all such activities
Pharmaceutical promotion and advertising can will generate marketing spin-offs.
influence not only in the use of a product, but also So far we notice no effective, strong, committed
our (doctors and public alike) belief on medicines. and dedicated Research & Development (R&D)
As promotion has the potential to change behavior work on pharmaceutical sector could have
and because it is a major source of drug information been established by the government found in
for health professionals, the messages promoting remarkable progress. Right R&D is a must
pharmaceuticals should be factual, evidence-based, establish to salvage of this sector and executions
unambiguous and balanced. One popular way to to be untaken immediately; otherwise the growth
market a product is to promote it via educational and success of the industry may be slow, going
activities. These can range from personalized delivery down or unexpected or unprecedented might be.
of educational materials by drug representatives to Product Marketing, Promotion and Education
the doctor’s office, company sponsored journal clubs, The very nature of the medical practice demands
product presentations during lunch breaks, company lifelong learning. The need for lifelong learning is
sponsored Continuing Medical Education (CME) never more pressing than in this era of “Information
programs (ranging from one-off dinner talk to a full Technology” and “Patient Empowerment”. The need
weekend workshop or seminars), company assisted to continuously develop on self professionally has
conferences with industry sponsored symposia (in given rise to a concept the scope of which is much
main program to satellite symposia) as part of the more than just attending the odd CME lectures. The
program and sponsoring of doctors (and pharmacists) CME includes a comprehensive approach in personal
to attend conferences. Indeed many companies will and professional development of a practitioner to meet
have their own dedicated “Educational Grants or ever challenging rewards of modern day medicine.
Funds” for such activities. Some will utilize funds from marketing and sales
Any development program (CME not an exception)
division because they see it as part and parcel of a
requires adequate resources be it is the financial,
common goal; that of promotion and successful
infrastructural or human resources. Practically
marketing of their products. Ideally, marketing should
every other CME activity is assisted either directly
or indirectly by the pharmaceutical industry. In be more than just a promotional or selling effort to
marketing sense, there is no better avenue than that increase and satisfy demand for existing products and
provided by CME activities. Not only is the logistics services. It should also seek to identify and respond to
of addressing a wide audience of potential client the needs, requirements, expectations and perception
achieved, the marketing strategy can be masqueraded of its client; doctors and patients alike. It should lead
by a neutral ‘educational platform’. This can take the to better overall performance of a doctor in managing
form of sponsoring the development of ‘Evidenced their patients. This in turn should lead to better
Based Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) to the patient care and clinical outcome. However not all
plainly overt product launch in a desert island resort. interactions between the medical profession and the
While these activities usually have a clearly defined pharmaceutical industry end up with positive patient
primary educational aim, they may be potentially outcomes. The emphasis tends to be more inclined
open to a suspicion of unethical interaction between
to fulfilling the industry’s objectives rather than the
doctors and the pharmaceutical authority. Doctors
educational goals. Indeed a report from an extensive
involved in organizing or participating in such
literature review found that doctors are affected by
activities need to have a high level of awareness of
this risk. They should ensure they could meet the their interaction with pharmaceutical industry. There
allegations of unethical behavior, through avoiding is evidence to show that doctors prescribing pattern
any secrecy regarding the source and to the extent is influenced after attending industry sponsored
of sponsorship, and by ensuring that the provision education programs even when the program is
of food or other attractions at these meetings is not conducted in an academic environment governed by
on so lavish a scale as to cast doubt on the primary preset ethical guidelines10-14.

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How can education and promotion co- exist in a minefields is symbiotic, provided the interest is
practical and ethical manner? focused not on the doctors or the industry’s interest
To begin with a line must be drawn between what is but that of patients and is strictly evidenced based.
ethical and what is unethical in terms of the general In fact eliminating ethical interaction between
interaction between doctors and the pharmaceutical the industry and doctors may hinder continuing
industry. There is currently a lack of guidelines issued professional developments of doctors which may be
to doctors in developing countries. In Bangladesh a disservice to patients.
such a guideline has been in existence developed Global Marketing- Education:
by Ethics Committee of the BMRC (Bangladesh As a Least Developed Country (LDC), Bangladesh is
Medical Research Council). able to make generic drugs without any intellectual
Among the important points to highlight is that doctors property rights conflicts until 2033. The export
should not participate in promotional activities that earning, around Tk 4 billion, has been increased in
could in any way damage their public standing or recent years with the penetration of costly, regulated
reputation for independence of profession in the markets of the United States and in the Europe.
eyes of the peers, colleagues and co-workers, media, Two effective policies have accelerated the growth
patients and their relatives and general public10-14. of this sector. One was the Drug Control Ordinance
Between Promotion and Education - Stick to the 1982, which banned foreign companies from selling
Evidence! imported pharmaceutical products in the country.
The last few decades has seen an exponential increase
The other was the relaxation of the World Trade
in our understanding of disease pathogenesis and
Organization’s agreement on Trade-Related Aspects
therapeutics. The science of epidemiology has also
of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), which
evolved from being restricted to the close of public
permitted Bangladesh to reverse engineer patented
health to that of clinical medicine. Application
generic drugs.  The relaxation of TRIPS for least-
of clinical epidemiology to daily clinical practice
developed countries has been extended up to the year
has given rise to a discipline of knowledge called
2032.
‘Evidence Based Medicine’ (EBM).
Unfortunately there is at times too much lip service In fiscal year 2015-16, the annual sales of
paid to EBM, when what is really required is for it pharmaceutical products stood at Tk 15,600 crore.
to be practiced. When there is good evidence that “This is a huge jump for the sector as the industry
a particular drug is clinically beneficial. Then there size was only Tk 170 crore in 1982.” Bangladesh’s
should not be any hesitation in its promotion. It can pharmaceutical industry is dominated by local
even be argued that once credible evidence has been players. At present, oncology drugs are imported but
generated, not applying it is unethical. The argument some of the local players have heavily invested in
has always been how really credible is the evidence. the segment.
Teaching doctors and medical students EBM is now “Given the fact that local companies can manufacture
a routine repertoire in many medical schools both quality products at affordable price, oncology
at the post graduate and undergraduate levels. The segment will emerge as an attractive growth segment
right understanding of EBM will be an important in future.” For instance, A Pharmaceutical Industry
pre requisite for doctors to navigate the sometimes has already started exporting to the US, one of the
confusing world of medical literature and continuing most regulated drug markets in the world, from last
professional development programs, many of which year. It shipped Carvedilol, a branded prescription
are directly or indirectly linked to the industry.
This includes doctors who contribute directly to
educational program as speakers. Such a vacuum
in correct understanding of EBM will be readily
capitalized by the industry in the promotion of certain
products. In such an environment, promoting and
marketing of products of dubious benefits to patients
will take precedence over genuine education. Thus
it is not the relationship between the industry and
the medical fraternity which should be frown upon.
The interaction though fraud with potential ethical

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drug for hypertension. According to the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB),

Bangladesh, however, relies on imports for raw Bangladesh earned $43 million from exporting
materials. More than 90% of them are imported pharmaceutical goods in the first five month of
every year. As a result, the industry is vulnerable to the 2017-18 fiscal year. The Square, Incepta,
external shocks, according to the report. To address Beximco, Eskayef, Opsonin, ACI, Acme, Renata
the issue, the government has started the process of and Ibn Sina are belonging to the Bangladesh’s
constructing an active pharmaceutical ingredient top pharmaceutical companies in authentic
industrial park in Munshiganj. At least half of the management concerns.
companies that got plots in the API Park are expected Speaking to Outsourcing-Pharma M Chowdhury,
to go into the operation by this year. Once the API founder and CEO of Amreteck explained,
Park is completed, Bangladeshi companies would be Bangladesh’s educated pharma workforce and
able to source at least half of their raw materials from costs that undercut India and China will attract
the complex, reducing reliance on imports. multinationals and Contract Manufacturing
Quality Control Organizations (CMO). He also said that the top five
There are two organizations mainly regulate drugs Bangladeshi pharma companies account for most of
and pharmacies in Bangladesh. The Directorate the exports, and also have better quality controls,
General of Drug Administration (DGDA) is the but there are opportunities for growth. Moreover,
national drug regulatory authority which is under Bangladesh represents a “huge opportunity” to
the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. DGDA pharma sector that CMOs will be attracted by the low
regulates all activities related to import and export of costs, which undercut China, and help the industry
the raw materials, packaging materials, production, grow to $10bn (€6.9m) in 10 years.
sale, pricing, licensing, registration of all kinds of From the above facts, as Bangladeshi we feel proud
medicine including those of Ayurvedic, Uunani, to see “The Pharmaceutical Sector is the pioneer in
herbal and homeopathic systems. most successful sectors in Bangladesh.”
The Pharmacy Council of Bangladesh (PCB) was Trafficking, Reproducing and Marketing of Low
established under the Pharmacy Ordinance Act in Quality Drugs
1976 to control the pharmacy practice in Bangladesh. There is a good number of costly foreign drugs are
The Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Society is affiliated open available in the local market procured through
with the International Pharmaceutical Federation and the improper roots for sale. By taking advantage of
Commonwealth Pharmaceutical Association. The the illegal means and ways, some valuable, costly
National Drug Policy (2005) states that the World and reputed drugs are suspected-reproduced and/or
Health Organization’s current Good Manufacturing manufactured locally for black door businesses. To
Practices (GMP) should be strictly followed and cope up with the existing huge demands in the market,
that manufacturing units will regularly be inspected the products are not manufactured maintaining the
by the DGDA. Other key regulation features are required quality control measures as whole. Those
restrictions on imported drugs (where these are are just reproduced and marketed for money making
produced by four or more local firms), a ban on local purpose only to becoming richest over the night. In
production of around 1,700 drugs that are considered many ways, a remarkable and good number of legal
non-essential or harmful and strict price controls on actions have been taken against those corrupts by the
some 117 principal medicines. government of Bangladesh. Country’s big whole sale
Appropriate actions are timely taken as measures medicine market shoulders the sole responsibility for
to ensure Quality Products to grasp global markets. these irregularities whatever they have been able to
The Health Minister of People’s Republic of prove many times in many ways.
Bangladesh informed the house in a recent JS Concerns of the Pharma Leaders on Success
session that the government had suspended licenses to capture Global Markets
of 86 manufacturers temporarily while 19 other The sector leaders came up with individual
have been suspended permanently for violating the remarks while addressing a discussion on
Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines. “Preparedness of Bangladesh pharmaceutical
In addition, he added, last year the government industry for the future potentials and challenges”.
also cancelled registration of 61 products and The discussion was a part of Samson H
temporarily halted production of 14 others. Legal Chowdhury Memorial Conference 2017 held
proceedings have been started against those owners. in Dhaka which focused on the prospect and

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 Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Industry: Perspective and the Prospects

problems of Bangladesh’s pharmaceutical sector. consistent increase in healthcare expenditure, mostly

One of the Pharmaceutical leaders said, “We out of pocket, which currently stands at almost three
have already a strong base in domestic market. percent of GDP. Estimates suggest the domestic
We need to have presence in global markets, market will grow further in the coming years.
but the government policy is not in favor of the Finally, we should not have any concern on the
industry.” In that meeting another leader opined expectations to see the lots of hopes and beliefs,
that “The sector people have to be innovative grand successes in the pharmaceutical industry
and focus should be on formulation of generic in Bangladesh in near future if its executions
products having a market worth $112 billion.”
are not well operated with high ethical values
For boosting the export, he suggested promotion
maintained properly, scientifically as well as
of products through agents and marketing in the
strong administrative necks. This overview is
global markets. In July-January period of the
current fiscal year, Bangladesh earned $52.64 prepared based on the available data sources on
million, which is 8.5% higher than that of $48.50 BMI research, Bangladesh pharmaceuticals, and
million in the same period a year before. healthcare report and Quintiles IMS among others.
Conclusion We apologize for the faults that written permissions
Over the past decades, it has seen phenomenal could not be obtained for time constraints which
growth, currently contributing to almost one percent might be processed in due course. Also, we are very
of GDP and is expected to grow significantly in sorry to quote some other texts may be here but
the coming years. Bangladesh is experiencing a haven’t referred inadvertently.

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