Iran’s pharmaceutical sector is facing delays of four to six months in the allocation of foreign currency for importing raw materials, industry officials said, warning the hold-ups risk disrupting the drug supply chain.
Health Ministry officials have repeatedly pledged to secure strategic medicines, but suppliers say the central bank’s slow allocation of funds, coupled with sanctions-related banking hurdles, has left companies months behind in receiving payments, Tasnim reported on Wednesday.
From $3.5 billion in promised annual funds for pharmaceuticals and medical equipment, only about $3 billion is expected to materialize this year, according to the Food and Drug Administration.
“We may face shortages in coming months, and even need to seek antibiotics in winter,” said its drug chief, Akbar Abdollahi-Asl.
Industry representatives added that while Iran produces about 72% of its active pharmaceutical ingredients domestically, just $100 million in timely foreign currency allocations could cover most raw material needs. Importers urged urgent state support to prevent shortages, warning that patients could bear the brunt of the delays.
