Drug makers must obtain CoPP from the regulator to begin export of their products.
Radha Raman Prasad, chief of DoDA, told Republica that Nepali drug makers have the capacity to export medicines worth Rs 500 million a year. “The figure may grow further as most of the drug makers meet the criteria for acquiring WHO-Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certification,” he added.
The records of DoDA show that the Nepali drug makers are producing larger volume of general medicines to meet the market demand. “To begin with, the companies are preparing to export general medicines to international market,” Prasad said, adding, “In terms of general medicine, Nepali drug makers can compete with producers of India and Bangladesh in terms of price and quality.”
He also said the export of Nepali medicines in international market will be a milestone in the history of pharmaceutical companies in the country.
“The initiative that these five companies have taken is a positive beginning, as it encourages other companies to find market for their products in international arena,” Prasad added.
Prabal Jung Pandey, marketing director of Lomus Pharmaceuticals, said his company was making preparation to export its products to some South East Asian countries. Lomus currently enjoys 10 percent share in Nepal´s drugs market.
“We are preparing to export medicines like antibiotics, cardiovascular (drugs related to heart disease), vitamins and drugs for joints, among others,” Pandey added. He said the company took the initiatives for export after getting demands from international buyers. He, however, refused to disclose the volume of drugs that the company targets to export. “We can tell this only after we begin export,” he added.
Hari Bhakta Sharma, deputy director of Deurali-Janta Pharmaceuticals, told Republica time has not yet come to export drugs with commercial motive. “It would be remarkable to make our presence in international market for now,” he said, adding: “This is how we can expand our market size in international arena.” Sharma told Republica that Deurali-Janta has already received demand from international buyers.
“We are looking for sustainable market in international arena. This way was can expand our exports in the long run.”
Officials of Deurali-Janta said the company has the capacity to export cardiovascular, antibiotics and anti-diarrheal drugs.
“We have strictly maintained quality and technical standard so as to export drugs in larger volume. But the government is not helping us in finding markets for our products in international arena,” Sharma added.
Mahesh Gorkhali, marketing director of Nepal Pharmaceuticals, said the company is all set to export drugs to India in the first phase. “India holds a huge market potential. Also, it will be easier for us to supply our products to the southern neighbor.”
Nepal Pharmaceuticals had exported drugs worth around Rs 500 million about five years ago. “We are resuming exports very soon and are hopeful of recording even bigger transaction,” Gorkhali added.
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