BD expands pharma export reach to 140 states

Bangladesh’s pharma ceutical products are now being exported to 140 countries, reflecting the sector’s growing global footprint and export potential, Health Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain said on Monday.

Speaking at a ceremony at the Ministry of Health where the Bangladesh Association of Pharmaceutical Industries (BAPI) handed over 100,000 intravenous (IV) saline bags for dengue patients, the minister said the government is working to further expand the country’s pharmaceutical exports. “Bangladeshi medicines are currently being exported to 140 countries.

The government is making efforts to increase this number and will provide all necessary support to private pharmaceutical companies,” he said.
The minister highlighted the pharmaceutical industry’s contribution to the country’s healthcare system, saying private-sector initiatives have played a crucial role in addressing public health challenges over the years.

Addressing the country’s health preparedness, Sakhawat said antibody development against the ongoing measles outbreak is expected to take until June 20. On dengue management, he said the government currently has 100,000 saline bags in its central medical stores, while an additional 20,000 to 25,000 units are available at various upazila-level health facilities. However, he cautioned that demand could rise sharply if dengue infections increase.

The minister also noted that the Bangladesh Association of Pharmaceutical Industries donated 100,000 IV saline bags to support dengue treatment efforts nationwide. Regarding the recent child death incident at Ad-Din Hospital in Maghbazar, Sakhawat said the hospital authorities have been granted an additional two days to respond to a show-cause notice issued by the ministry.

“We have allowed them more time to submit their explanation. They are expected to respond on Tuesday, after which the ministry will decide on the next course of action,” he said.