Afghan and Iranian Pharmaceutical Firms Sign Agreement to Boost Medicine Access in Balkh
In a recent move aimed at improving access to medicine and enhancing healthcare services in northern Afghanistan, a cooperation agreement was signed between the Balkh Chamber of Commerce and Investment and several Iranian pharmaceutical companies in the city of Mazar-i-Sharif.
The agreement is intended to pave the way for establishing pharmaceutical factories in Balkh, facilitate technical information exchange, and supply high-quality medicines to local markets. Haroon Rashid Qazi, acting head of the Balkh Chamber of Commerce, hailed the deal as a significant step towards pharmaceutical self-sufficiency in the region, stating that the collaboration could open new opportunities for joint production and distribution.
Representatives from the Iranian companies reaffirmed their commitment to supplying standard medicines at reasonable prices and expressed readiness to cooperate with local manufacturers in technical areas.
Meanwhile, Sediq Mohammadi, head of the Balkh Pharmacists’ Union, called the agreement an effective measure to address the healthcare needs of residents in Balkh and neighboring provinces. He also emphasized the importance of maintaining continuity and oversight in such partnerships.
While citizens across many parts of Afghanistan continue to face shortages of quality medications and high prices, the Taliban administration has so far failed to deliver sustainable healthcare services and basic pharmaceutical supplies. Agreements like this one often lack enforceable guarantees unless accompanied by clear oversight structures and practical support mechanisms.
