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Lukashenko suggests framework for joint work of state, private pharmaceutical companies

 MINSK, 15 August (BelTA) - Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko suggested that state and private pharmaceutical enterprises operate within a unified organizational structure based on shared interests as he spoke at a meeting held on 15 August to discuss the development of biopharmaceuticals in the country, BelTA has learned.

The meeting, convened to discuss the future of biopharmaceuticals, brought together officials from the Vitebsk Oblast Executive Committee, the Healthcare Ministry, the Food and Agriculture Ministry, the State Control Committee, the government, the Belarus President Administration, the National Academy of Sciences, as well as representatives from pharmaceutical companies, the scientific community, and the private sector.

Originally, the main report was to be delivered by the Vitebsk Oblast governor given that the region is home to BelVitunipharm, the enterprise whose operations were initially set to be discussed at the meeting. However, Aleksandr Lukashenko expanded the scope of the meeting and instead gave the floor to Vladimir Karanik, emphasizing that biopharmaceuticals is a matter of national, not just regional, importance. Vladimir Karanik, currently the chairman of the Presidium of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, previously served as healthcare minister and is well-versed in the pharmaceutical industry.

The discussion turned to Belpharmprom, a holding company that includes only medical drug manufacturers, while enterprises producing veterinary vaccines mostly fall under the Food and Agriculture Ministry. Both types of companies can be either state-owned or private. Aleksandr Lukashenko highlighted the issue of their fragmented operations: “State-owned ones are supposedly managed by the state, and it does not matter whether it is done well or poorly. Private ones are left to survive, and operate as they see fit.”

“The state has regulatory tools to shape policy in this sector,” Vladimir Karanik said.

“Does this mean we can always twist their arms if needed? But that's not what we should be doing! What we need is to unite and work as one,” the president said.

Vladimir Karanik pointed out that such enterprises could indeed collaborate, but effective use of regulatory mechanisms is necessary.

Aleksandr Lukashenko is convinced that private and state-owned companies can function within a single organizational framework while respecting shared interests. At the same time, he added, the management of this structure should avoid excessive interference in private businesses.

“We have ended up with a bunch of scattered enterprises, some possibly duplicating state production, others competing pointlessly in the market. Why can’t we establish a holding that balances the interests of both state and private entities?” the president suggested a potential solution.

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