Strong growth forecast for Pakistan Pharma market

Pakistan's pharmaceutical expenditure was estimated to be 152.97 billion Pak rupees ($1.79 billion) in 2010. The country's pharmaceutical market is moderately large by Asian standards, ahead of more dynamic markets such as Vietnam ($1.67 billion), according to Business Monitor International. However, annual per-capita spending on medicines stands at just $10, which is far below the regional average. Furthermore, market access is challenging and operational risks are high.

Combined sales of prescription drugs and over-the-counter (OTC) medicines in Pakistan are forecast to return to growth and increase to PKR167.82 billion rupees ($1.89 billion) in 2011, mostly due to the knock-on effects of the humanitarian assistance programme and pricing pressures. Inflation is expected to pick up compared with the previous year (13.5% in contrast to 11.7%, respectively). This equates to growth of 10% in local currency terms and 5% in US dollars.

CAGR of 9.5% through 2015