Merck, one of the leading international pharmaceutical companies in the world, on Thursday announced providing free healthcare services to rain-affected persons in Sindh by establishing medical camps in the rain-hit areas of the province. Merck Private Limited Managing Director Abdul Baqy Khan said this while addressing a press conference. “Medical camps have already been established in some of the areas marooned after rains and the number of centres is being increased aiming to provide free healthcare services to the maximum number of people in the province,” said Khan.
“The company has also allocated a budget of Rs 20 million to cater to the needs of the flood victims. “Merck has been providing free medical facilities on six islands near Karachi. About 200 to 250 patients visit the medical centres daily to get medical treatment.
“The pharmaceutical industry is facing a very tough time as the government has not allowed an increase in the prices of medicines since 2001. In 2001, the government had allowed 3 to 4 percent increase in the prices of medicines but since then the companies have only been allowed to raise the prices of a few medicines but also the prices of thousands of medicines have been capped.
“The companies are resorting to budget cuts for their survival due to inflation, electricity, gas and fuel tariffs while exchange rate of euro has increased substantially in the past one decade.
The Merck managing director pointed out that more than six multinational companies have already packed up operations in Pakistan because of unattractive prices.
“Merck is the leading multinational company in Pakistan that has been operating for years.
“Merck is the only multinational company to have established a manufacturing plant in the troubled city of Quetta, Balochistan.
“Things are going on smoothly at the Quetta plant but we face problems in transportation of raw materials and medicines due to the law and order situation and lack of proper logistics infrastructure.
Khan said that Merck is also exploring African markets to export medicines after accomplishments in Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and Maldives, as there is huge potential in the export of medicines to different countries.
