An important agreement has been signed between "Kyrgyzpharm" and the well-known domestic drug manufacturer "Biovit".
Talant Sultanov, the director of the State Enterprise "Kyrgyzpharm", noted that this agreement aims to create a reliable system for supplying medications to all 300 hospitals in the country using drugs produced in Kyrgyzstan. This should positively impact the development of the local pharmaceutical sector, reducing dependence on imports and enhancing the medical security of the nation.
The General Director of "Biovit," Rahim Babaev, emphasized in an interview with vb.kg that cooperation with such a significant state procurement body is serious support for the company. He noted that the goals of the business and the state are now aligned.
- This is a great opportunity for our company to grow, increase production volumes, and produce more quality and safe medications that people need. We manufacture about one hundred types of medications, of which 70 percent are included in the list of essential medicines. Together with "Kyrgyzpharm," we will identify priority groups of medications for long-term contracts. Last year, we opened a new plant for the production of infusion solutions, injections, and eye drops, which are also essential medicines. We hope for an increase in supply volumes, - added Rahim Babaev.
The situation with the availability of medications in the country remains complex: Kyrgyzstan is 95% dependent on imported medicines. Therefore, controlling the supply of essential drugs is a priority task that is at the forefront of the government's attention.
Expanding domestic production of pharmaceutical products in the Kyrgyz market has become a primary goal. The country's leadership emphasizes the development of pharmaceuticals, as it concerns not only the availability of medications but also the safety of citizens. The development of the local pharmaceutical industry can be seen as an important element of ensuring national security.
- Scientists warn of potential risks of new pandemics. This is a real threat, and it is important to continue strengthening the healthcare infrastructure and supporting the development of the local pharmaceutical industry. Remember how, during the coronavirus pandemic, countries restricted the export of their pharmaceutical products. At that time, "Biovit" operated in three shifts to provide patients with the necessary medications, - noted Rahim Babaev. - We supported our doctors with effective drugs for treating COVID-19.
According to him, they have done everything possible and continue to increase production and supply volumes.
- As the president of the Pharmaceutical Industry Association of Kyrgyzstan, I must say that our country faces challenging paths to keep up with other states regarding drug security. "Kyrgyzpharm" employs 60 people, while a similar enterprise "Belpharm" in Belarus employs one and a half thousand with a comparable population size. This demonstrates the difference in the development of the pharmaceutical sectors of the countries.
If Kyrgyzstan intends to develop its pharmaceutical industry, guaranteed purchases of medications are necessary. This is because medications and medical products have social significance. Without stable supply levels of 60-70% from state procurement, the local pharmaceutical industry will not be able to develop, - believes the general director of "Biovit".
According to Rahim Babaev, Kyrgyzstan is a socially oriented state, and he is confident that the government will continue to pay attention to both development and state procurement processes.
- We have signed a framework agreement with "Kyrgyzpharm," under which our enterprise will guarantee supplies according to its orders, - he added.
Talant Sultanov also pointed out that the development of local production is not just an economic task.
- It is a matter of national security and access to medical care. By entering into agreements with companies like "Biovit," we create stable conditions for supplying medical institutions and reducing the financial burden on the healthcare system, - he emphasized the importance of partnership with domestic producers.
According to him, the first supplies under the long-term contract are expected in the first quarter of 2026. Opportunities for expanding cooperation are also being considered, including contract manufacturing under state orders and introducing new drugs into the clinical practice of the republic.
At the signing of the agreement, it was noted that the initiative of "Kyrgyzpharm" to enter into direct contracts with national producers is part of a broader strategy to modernize the state procurement system for medications. In the context of global risks, supply disruptions, and currency fluctuations, local production becomes the foundation of the resilience of the healthcare system.
Particular attention will be paid to essential and socially significant drugs. This approach to cooperation will enhance quality control, ensure stable supply planning, reduce logistics costs, and strengthen the production base through guaranteed volumes.
- The signed agreement with "Biovit" is a step towards a new model of drug provision based on transparency, partnership, and prioritizing national interests, - noted Talant Sultanov. - The main focus of our partnership is the health of the nation as the basis for economic development and equal access for all citizens to necessary medical therapy.
From the dossier of "Vecherniy Bishkek"
Since its establishment in 2002, the "Biovit" plant has consistently increased its production capacity and product range, including both medicines and dietary supplements. The company's production base meets modern requirements, and the quality control laboratory is certified according to ISO 17025. Currently, "Biovit" exports its products to neighboring and distant countries, making a significant contribution to ensuring the domestic market. The company also actively collaborates with scientific institutions, including the Kyrgyz State Medical Academy and the Kyrgyz-Turkish University "Manas".
The plant for the production of infusion solutions, injections, and eye drops "Biovit" in the Sokuluk district of the Chui region is equipped with modern equipment from Italy, Germany, and South Korea, complying with international GMP standards. For the company, ensuring high quality and safety of its products remains a priority.
