Pharmaceutical Imports and Distribution across Afghanistan’s provinces
Keywords: Afghanistan، Access to medicine، Internal distribution، Logistics، Pharmaceutical imports، Supply chain، Transportation barriers
Asif Khan Talash
Abstract
This study investigates the extent, challenges, and implications of pharmaceutical imports and their distribution across Afghanistan. Due to the absence of sufficient domestic pharmaceutical production, the country relies almost entirely on imported medicines, primarily from Pakistan, India, Iran, and Turkey. A structured survey was conducted with pharmacists, wholesale distributors, importers, doctors, and other key stakeholders to identify the major barriers in both importation and internal distribution. Findings reveal that the majority of respondents (52.6%) were retail pharmacists, and most participants had between 1 and 7 years of work experience. All participants confirmed that medicines in Afghanistan are imported from abroad, with 69.5% pointing to Pakistan as the main source. The primary reasons for importing medicines were better quality (68.4%), higher public trust in foreign products (12.6%), and limited local production (2.1%). The study also highlights multiple challenges in the process. During importation, high costs (69.5%) and customs barriers (18.9%) were identified as the main obstacles. In distribution, poor road conditions (77.9%), lack of cold-chain systems (8.4%), shortage of vehicles (3.2%), and security risks (2.1%) were noted as significant barriers, especially for remote provinces. These challenges not only delay the supply chain but also increase medicine prices and reduce accessibility. Notably, 97.9% of participants believed that such barriers negatively affect public health outcomes. In conclusion, the study emphasizes that Afghanistan’s heavy dependence on pharmaceutical imports, coupled with logistical and infrastructural challenges, creates serious obstacles for equitable medicine distribution. The research provides practical recommendations aimed at improving the importation and distribution system, strengthening regulatory mechanisms, and ensuring reliable access to essential medicines across all provinces.
