SMC turns 50: Now markets 150 crore saline sachets annually

Highlights: 

• SMC markets 150 crore sachets of Orsaline-N annually
• Disclosure comes ahead of its weeklong 50th anniversary celebrations
• They have 800,000  distribution outlets across Bangladesh 
• SMC offers diverse health products and employs 4,500 staff 

SMC's flagship product, Orsaline-N, is a food-grade saline used to combat diarrhoea and dehydration. 

The company markets approximately 150 crore sachets annually, according to Managing Director and CEO Toslim Uddin Khan.  

Speaking at a media briefing yesterday ahead of its weeklong 50th-anniversary celebrations with the anniversary on 25 January, Khan highlighted the importance of oral saline in reducing child mortality due to diarrhoea. 

"We market 150 crore sachets of Orsaline each year and have approximately 800,000 outlets to ensure widespread distribution," he added.   

SMC's consistent quality and affordable pricing, supported by foreign subsidies for some products, have made its products accessible to many.  

"Despite low profit margins, we maintain the highest quality standards," Khan emphasised.  

SMC has been instrumental in improving public health in Bangladesh over the last five decades, with a focus on innovative products and services, such as family planning and maternal health, he said.  

"Through our dedication to public health, SMC is now nearing the goal of achieving family planning targets. Today, nearly half of the users of modern contraceptive methods in Bangladesh rely on SMC-branded products," he added.   

The celebrations for SMC's 50th anniversary featured the unveiling of a logo under the theme "Fifty's Aspiration, Together for the Future."  

Chairman Walial Islam praised the company's accomplishments, stating its success was due to "effective governance, relentless efforts by our management and staff, and strong partnerships with the government and development stakeholders."  

In addition to Orsaline, SMC offers a range of health products including child nutrition powder, electrolyte drinks, deworming tablets, sanitary napkins, baby diapers, and fortified biscuits.  

As part of its mission, SMC established SMC Enterprises Ltd in 2014 to implement sustainable public health programmes for women, children, and families, said SMC's Managing Director Sayef Nasir.

The company currently employs 4,500 people across its headquarters, factory, and regional offices. 

As part of its commitment to public health and social welfare, SMC continues to work towards improving the health and living standards of the nation.