Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s call for faster registration of patented drugs is timely and urgent, and one that must be heeded.
Bangladesh’s pharmaceutical industry has made remarkable strides, but delays in approving patented medicines sets a worrying and potentially dangerous precedent.
With Bangladesh set to graduate soon from a least developed country (LDC), in the post-LDC era, local pharmaceuticals will be compelled to pay royalties on patented medicines, potentially increasing the cost of life-saving drugs and placing an additional burden on consumers. This is a reality that must be averted, and can only be done so through prudent planning now.
Bangladesh has built a reputation as a producer of affordable generic medicines, supplying both domestic and international markets. But innovation cannot be ignored. Patented drugs represent the cutting edge of medical science, and denying patients timely access undermines both public health and trust in the system.
Of course, faster registration does not mean compromising safety, and rigorous evaluation must remain in place. With that said, efficiency must be prioritized. Streamlined procedures, digital platforms, and clear timelines can ensure that life‑saving drugs reach patients without unnecessary delay.
At the same time, Bangladesh must simultaneously strengthen its intellectual property framework and research capacity, so that local companies can innovate and collaborate with global firms.
The PM’s directive should be treated with the seriousness it warrants. Access to medicine is not a privilege but a right, and it is one that certainly should not be lost for millions of Bangladeshis as we develop further.
The message is clear: Speed up drug registration and save more lives in the future.
