Despite significant domestic production, imports of medicines, pharmaceutical products, and intermediate goods in Bangladesh have surged due to rising health issues and critical diseases. In the first four months of the current fiscal year, imports increased by 30.1% to $146.7 million. Key suppliers include China, India, Belgium, South Korea, and the USA. Export of pharmaceutical products also grew by 4.38%. Bangladesh’s pharmaceutical market is valued at $3.32 billion, with 150 companies supplying over 90% of medicines domestically. The rise in imports is largely due to dependency on foreign raw materials and intermediate goods. Major importers include Incepta Pharmaceuticals, Standard Chartered Bank, and Radiant Pharma. The trend reflects the growing demand for life-saving drugs amid increasing cases of critical diseases like cancer, heart, and kidney conditions. The government aims to balance imports with improved local production and regulatory measures.
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