No corruption will be tolerated in health sector: Minister

No form of irregularity or corruption will be tolerated in the health sector, regardless of existing challenges, Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain said today (29 March).

"There are various crises in the health sector. Everyone's cooperation is needed to fix them. However, we will not tolerate any corruption. We want everyone's cooperation to prevent corruption," the minister said at the 17th Asia Pharma Expo, at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center in Purbachal in the capital. 

The expo was organised by the Bangladesh Association of Pharmaceutical Industries.

The health minister noted that if the country collapses, if systems break down, and if quality medicines cannot be ensured for people, then progress will not be possible.

He mentioned that 33 children have died at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital in the past 11 days. 

It is unfortunate, he said, that despite being minister and secretary, they were unaware of the matter and only came to know through media reports. He emphasised the need to move the country forward with at least minimal commitment.

At the event, Health Secretary Kamruzzaman Chowdhury said this is not just an exhibition, but a process to advance Bangladesh's pharmaceutical sector.

He noted that after independence, Bangladesh could produce only 20% of its domestic medicine demand, while the remaining 80% depended on imports. 

Currently, around 98% of total demand is met through local production, according to the minister. In addition, Bangladesh is exporting medicines to 157 countries after fulfilling domestic needs.

Director General of the Directorate General of Drug Administration Major General Shameem Haider also spoke at the event. He noted that Bangladeshi medicines are being exported to 122 countries, with the global footprint gradually expanding. 

He added that the country's pharmaceutical industry maintains quality and effectiveness, and will continue efforts to uphold its reputation.

At the same event, President of the Bangladesh Association of Pharmaceutical Industries Abdul Muktadir said Bangladesh exports $300 million worth of medicines globally and plays an important role in global drug production. 

Efforts are ongoing to advance further in the active pharmaceutical ingredients sector, but policy support is needed, he said, adding that with policy changes, the sector could progress further.

He also said Bangladesh aims to move forward alongside India and China in the pharmaceutical sector. "The ongoing war has disrupted the industry, although some issues have been partially resolved through various measures." 

He noted that medicine prices in Bangladesh are lower than in India, and the country ensures a more affordable supply compared to neighbouring nations. 

He stressed the need to further strengthen the sector and highlighted that government guidance is essential. 

Without it, the pharmaceutical industry could be adversely affected, he said, adding that 30 companies have already gone bankrupt.