KABUL, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Afghanistan now produces 2,356 pharmaceutical items through 63 operational manufacturing plants, the office of the acting deputy prime minister for economic affairs announced on Monday.
"Currently, 63 pharmaceutical manufacturing factories are operating across the country. These factories produce 2,356 different pharmaceutical items," the office said in a statement.
Domestically produced medicines now account for an estimated 10 to 15 percent of the country's total pharmaceutical needs. According to the statement, the quality of these locally made medicines is considered high.
The Afghan interim government has called on local and international organizations to invest in the country, particularly in the health and mining sectors, citing the role of such investment in alleviating economic challenges and creating employment opportunities. ■
