However, there is a concerning issue of illegal drug importation, accounting for around 30% of medicines entering the country.

AFDA head Abdulbari Omar said that the annual demand for medicine in Afghanistan typically ranges from 700 million to 1 billion dollars. Out of the total drugs available, 70% are lawfully imported, while 30% are smuggled.

To ensure quality and safety standards, AFDA has granted permits to 10 firms meeting international standards in the past year. Additionally, more than 2,200 pharmaceutical businesses have been granted permits across the country.

In the previous year, AFDA issued permits for 21,504 different types of medicines and health items. Furthermore, the authority has been vigilant in inspecting pharmacies, leading to the blocking of 771, providing recommendations to 180, and issuing warnings to 126 pharmacies out of the 4,536 checked in the capital.

To maintain public health, AFDA disposed of approximately 300 tons of low-quality and outdated drugs last year and plans to incinerate another 50 tons of such drugs. Additionally, they are developing food and health product testing laboratories in four zones, including the nation's capital.. (ILKHA)