Pharma Sales and Marketing in Pakistan

Pharma Sales and Marketing in Pakistan: A Silent Crisis

By: Naeem Mustafa, Pharmacist

PharmaServePK – Your Health, Our Service

Pakistan’s pharmaceutical industry has long served as the backbone of the national healthcare system. Through dedicated sales and marketing professionals, doctors receive vital updates on new medicines, emerging treatment trends, and the latest scientific research. This continuous knowledge flow helps improve patient care across the country.

However, this essential workforce is now navigating one of its most challenging periods.

Pharma Sales and Marketing in Pakistan: A Silent Crisis

Restricted Access in Government Hospitals

Across Pakistan, entry for pharmaceutical representatives into government hospitals has been severely limited or completely banned in many facilities. This policy has effectively shut down the primary channel for delivering scientific information and product updates to doctors.

As a result:

Awareness of innovative new drugs has declined sharply.

Patients are increasingly deprived of access to modern, evidence-based treatments.

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Impossible Sales Targets and Mounting Pressure

When field teams cannot meet doctors or conduct necessary educational activities, achieving sales targets becomes nearly impossible. Companies face growing pressure, declining revenues, and difficult decisions about operations and staffing. Profits shrink, and sustainability is threatened across the sector.

Thousands of Young Professionals at Risk

Pakistan’s pharma field force includes thousands of educated young men and women who work tirelessly, often traveling to remote areas to support healthcare delivery. These professionals play a critical role in keeping the system dynamic. If restrictions persist without solutions, a new wave of unemployment could emerge, affecting countless families and futures.

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The Real Loss Belongs to Patients

This is far more than a sales or industry issue. The greatest harm falls on patients who could benefit from newer, more effective therapies. When doctors lack timely access to updated research and treatment options, the overall quality of healthcare suffers. In a country where healthcare access is already challenged, this silent gap widens inequities.

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A Call to Authorities

Is the survival and proper functioning of the pharma industry considered unimportant? Can we afford to let thousands of households face hardship? And can Pakistan’s already strained healthcare system bear additional pressure from reduced medical information flow?

Time to Raise Our Voice and Find Balanced Solutions

The pharma field force serves the nation by supporting healthcare professionals. It should be allowed to operate under clear, transparent rules and ethical guidelines. Complete bans are not sustainable solutions. Proper regulation, discipline, and structured access policies can protect integrity while enabling essential knowledge sharing.

If this silent crisis continues to be ignored, it risks escalating into a much larger storm — affecting industry, employment, doctors, and most importantly, patients.

PharmaServePK urges stakeholders  government authorities, hospital administrations, pharmaceutical companies, and the medical community — to engage in constructive dialogue for practical, patient-centered solutions. Let’s work together to strengthen Pakistan’s healthcare ecosystem.

Note: This article reflects current ground realities and concerns shared widely in the pharma sector. For official policies or updates, please refer to relevant government and regulatory bodies.

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