Challenges to Biotechnology in Pakistan
What are the challenges, Pakistan faces in the Biotechnology field?
Challenges to biotechnology in Pakistan:
Biotechnology is one of the wide range of technological advancements in the field of chemistry, biology, and engineering that affects the lives of people all around the globe. Although there has been significant progress in biotechnology in the country, the efficiency and efficacy of some of the technologies are not at the desired level yet. Since biotechnology has a growing demand in the market, biotechnologists are very actively engaged in performing research in developing new technologies for improving the biosciences in Pakistan.
Major activities in biotechnology in Pakistan are:
- Diagnostic services
- Genomics
- Engineering services
- Pharmaceuticals
- Environmental management
Some of the areas that are presently the main focus of the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) in the field of biotechnology in the country are:
- Gene therapy in the field of microorganisms
- Genetic engineering of plants
- Environmental biotechnology
- Medical biotechnology
- Regenerative medicine
- Clinical genomics
- Cytogenetic services
The recent researches carried out by the Ministry of Science and Technology have shown that the use of gene therapy can be used for the treatment of Hepatitis B. Other research studies have also shown the potential of adopting gene therapy in other countries. Research studies have also shown that genetic engineering can be used to develop a novel transgenic TB vaccine in which two vaccines will be combined into one. The new vaccine will be used as a preventive measure in patients with risk factors. The potential of genetic engineering for overcoming barriers to HIV prevention is also being studied.
Pakistan currently faces several hurdles in the growth of the biotechnology market.
The major issues are:
- Lack of skilled personnel
- Poor economic conditions
- Low awareness
Despite the emergence of several biotechnology companies and manufacturing facilities in the country, the market still needs to be developed. Prominent companies involved in biotechnology are, Nestle Pakistan Limited, Tropicana Pakistan, Popayun Biosciences, PakEd, Eurofresh Pakistan, Chateau Pakistan Limited, PM Foods Limited, Deceuninck Pakistan Limited, Genstar Pakistan Limited, Shamim Foods Limited, Unilever Pakistan Limited, Shahlyaz Agro (Pakistan) Limited, M/s Advance Pharma Pakistan Limited, and Hoechst Pakistan Limited.
Fear of major obstacles on the road to the commercialization of new technologies has been a main concern in the promotion and growth of biotechnology in Pakistan. The lack of skilled and experienced manpower is another major issue that has limited the growth of the biotechnology industry in the country. In order to improve the situation, the government needs to encourage the interest of students towards biotechnology so that they can apply their skills in this field when they gain higher education.
A few Pakistanis are involved in the biotech industry but they are not motivated by any of the multinational companies to do any research and development in the biotech field. It is not a good sign that there are no prominent Pakistani biotech companies working in the field. In fact, few Pakistani entrepreneurs have chosen to work in the traditional sectors instead of biotechnology.
Support to Biotech companies:
In order to develop the biotechnology sector of the country and to ensure a steady supply of skilled and experienced manpower for the field, the government needs to support the biotechnology companies, particularly the small and medium-sized enterprises, and increase government funding. This will encourage multinational companies to develop and invest in biotechnology.
The government also needs to provide high-tech equipment to biotech companies. The biotech industry is not receiving any government support so far.
Easy licenses for working:
It is still not possible to work in the biotechnology industry without any business license. The government should introduce simple and easily accessible business licenses for the biotech industry so that there is no problem in the promotion of this industry.
With the passage of time, Pakistan will also have to improve its road infrastructure of the country. The government should allocate more funds to provide better road connectivity to biotech companies in the country. The government should also encourage the pharmaceutical companies in the country to manufacture biologics and bio-compatible materials.
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