Bangladesh Exports Medicines to More Than 140 Countries: Health Minister

Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain today said Bangladesh’s pharmaceutical industry continues to strengthen its presence in the global market, with locally manufactured medicines now being exported to more than 140 countries.

“The export of medicines to over 140 countries is a testament to the remarkable progress Bangladesh has made in healthcare and pharmaceutical production,” he told reporters at a briefing held in the conference room of the Health Ministry at the Bangladesh Secretariat.

The minister expressed optimism that the country’s pharmaceutical exports would grow further once Bangladesh achieves self-sufficiency in vaccine production.

Highlighting developments in the healthcare sector, Sakhawat said previous governments had made insufficient progress in producing and supplying medical equipment and vaccines.

“There was a time when the country faced shortages of essential medical supplies, including ventilators and syringes. With the support of the private sector, however, Bangladesh was able to overcome many of those challenges,” he said.

Addressing the dengue situation, the minister said the Bangladesh Association of Pharmaceutical Industries (BAPI) had donated 100,000 units of intravenous (IV) saline to assist in the treatment of dengue patients.

He noted that the Central Medical Store currently holds 100,000 units of saline in stock, while an additional 20,000 to 25,000 units are available at upazila-level facilities nationwide.

“We are fully prepared to ensure additional supplies if demand rises,” he added.

On the recent child deaths at Ad-din Hospital, the minister said the hospital authorities had been granted an additional two days to respond to a government-issued show-cause notice.

“If they fail to provide a satisfactory explanation within the stipulated period, further legal action will be taken,” he warned.

Speaking at the event, State Minister for Health Dr M A Muhit said the government had taken proactive measures ahead of the dengue season and was implementing a range of initiatives to curb infections.

He said the health sector remains ready to provide timely treatment for dengue patients.

“All stakeholders must work together to strengthen the public healthcare system. Coordinated efforts are underway to control dengue and further improve healthcare services across the country,” he added.